The “Asians in Advertising: College Edition” was an online event that brought together students and professionals to talk about careers in advertising. This event has grown significantly since its debut in 2021, starting with just 25 people to now over accumulating over 6,000.
It offers programs like career coaching, scholarships, and mentorship. It’s all about helping the community make connections, learn about the importance of having Asians represented in advertising, and how to overcome challenges like feeling out of place or balancing different cultural identities.
The event was graced by the insights of Beatrice Chao and Suzie Bao, two luminaries whose stories of passion and perseverance illuminated the virtual stage. Their narratives, spanning the expanse from career inception to their current day-to-day professional endeavors, offered a compelling glimpse into the advertising industry’s dynamic nature.
Suzie Bao, a Group Account Director and Board Member of Asians in Advertising, traced her journey from an international student studying business fascinated by an advertising class to a 20-year tenured employee in an ad agency as an account manager. Her role, characterized by a keen sense of creative intuition and a rigorous balance between client expectations and creative outputs, alongside budget control, resonated with many aspiring to enter account management.
Beatrice Chao, the Co-Founder of Asians in Advertising and a Creative Director who began her career as a graphic designer, shared her path through internships and freelance gigs to a full-time role for a video game brand client. Her day-to-day work involves collaboration with copywriters and artists on diverse projects while highlighting the essence of creativity in advertising.
The event helped students see what working in an ad agency is like, from managing accounts to creating the ads. The speakers answered students’ questions such as, what employers look for in interns? They said having a digital portfolio and showing you really like the company’s work is important.
They also shared why they love working in advertising. They like being creative, the feeling of finishing projects, and the challenges they face. They said it’s okay to try different things in your career, which is part of learning and growing.
The summit did more than just share experiences and advice; it underscored the importance of representation and the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans in advertising, from overcoming bias and imposter syndrome to navigating the complexities of multiple cultural identities. It championed the cause of building meaningful connections and creating a supportive community, inspiring attendees to reach new heights and unlock their full potential in the advertising world.
Leave a Reply