The Biz

I've explored different industries in the past year (dance, yoga, restaurant, self-development, massage, and now advertising) and I have noticed that they all have their own little worlds. Some of these worlds easily melt into others and allow an easy entrance. Some, however, resemble boxes wrapped in chains and sport an "Enter If You Dare" sign. The ones who succeed quickly in these worlds do so because they enter at a young age. They've been born and bred for the lifestyle, knowing the ins and outs and negotiations. Those who aren't already "in" don't know the lingo, the unspoken rules, nor the tricks of the trade. I'll venture it's the unfamiliarity - not the talent - that causes a person to fail. The outsiders have to work relentlessly.

As I talked to Jay, the creative director, I discovered that advertising is a "chainmail" (a lightly chained) world. You don't have to have parents in the industry to get in, but the earlier you start, the better. 

"So," I asked, "what about people like me who have been out of school for a few years and want to enter advertising?"

"Agencies know that people do come in from other areas...but they also have kids who have been preparing for years in marketing and advertising programs, who know more than design - they know the technology and how to sell a product," he said. "You're coming in from the outside." I see.

He added, "There are a lot of people who have an interest in media or writing, but the successful candidates tend to be the ones rabid for it."

Rabid. What a word. Sounds like I'm up against a pack of dogs...which I might be.

He gave me several suggestions about how to approach my career, but the one that was most clear-cut was school, and honestly, I'm not opposed. The dream of going to an art school of some kind has flitted through my mind since college, and maybe now I have a good reason to look into it. The only thing I don't like is that preparing to go to school and then actually attending is going to be a long process...just to start my career. Geez.