Juan Camilo Aguirre, Class of 2008, Account Management and Copywriting Track Leanne Perzel, Class of 2008, Account Management Track Tara Lawall, Class of 2006, Copywriting Track
JUAN CAMILO AGUIRRE’S STORY
Graduation Date | February 2008 Department Track | Account Management / Copywriting Major/Minor | Advertising major Clubs & Organizations | Temple Ad Club
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I can be found running around the city that doesn’t sleep when not chained to my desk at an A-List* Agency working as an Assistant Account Exec at The Vidal Partnership. [*AdvertisingAge 2008, 2007, 2006]
My group works on Hispanic advertising for McNeil Consumer Healthcare [J&J] who are the makers of TYLENOL® and other great products that help you feel better. Basically, we do everything in Español y somos muy buenos.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE A TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENT?
The classes.
I’m serious, never missed a class unless I was really really sick. Favorite classes were Copywriting, Interactive, any Donnelly class, DEC, etc… basically all of them, the Advertising ones at least.
DEC was a lot of fun. Real work, real experience, but also real tears for those who couldn’t handle the pressure.
But the best memory would have to be when Bill ‘The Don’ Donnelly, in front of the entire Media Planning II class, said: “I love this kid… but he’s going to die young.” Lets just hope his prophecy doesn’t come true.
Talking to Donnelly is always great, inside and outside of class. Whether it’s about business or any off cuff subject, it’ll definitely be entertaining and you’ll leave the building a wiser man. Just think of him as Mr. Miyagi and you are Daniel-San, the master and the student.
HOW HAS TEMPLE ADVERTISING HELP TO SHAPE YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
The Dept. of Advertising, really allows for you to grow. Many of the teachers have an open door policy that makes them accessible and they pride themselves in their students’ hard work, especially when it shines through.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU TOOK AWAY FROM YOUR ADVERTISING EDUCATION?
COMMUNICATION: there is a big lack of it out there. You have to communicate. Nowadays, it’s all through e-mail or text messaging, there is no face-to-face time.
In order to communicate with Donnelly, it had to be the old fashioned way. He doesn’t respond well to e-mails and it pushed you to go to class, to learn, to become wiser, to be good.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY & ADVERTISING IN PARTICULAR?
I ended up in Advertising by mistake. I forget how I ended up in Dr. Marra’s Intro to Media and Society class and fell in love with advertising. And they say love at first sight doesn’t exist.
Also, Dr. Marra may not remember this but that semester he said I was really good at this advertising thing since I orchestrated the Beyond project in my group. Later that week I withdrew from Mechanical Engineering and became an Advertising major. My mom didn’t talk to me for a month or so, but she loves me now.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
It’s like SVA’s motto: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT TO BE GOOD?
You have to be consistent and go for what you want. You get what you put into it. You can’t just go to class and call it a day. You have to be constantly creating, doing, moving. Get involved in anything and everything you can get your hands on. Even if it is making an ad for a deli, you’ll learn a whole lot about that business or how to do work for others.
Enlighten yourself and take other classes depending on the track you’re in. For example:
Account Management kids should go to the Fox School and take Marketing, Econ, etc.
Art Direction kids should take courses in computer graphics or some art courses at Tyler, duh!
Copywriting kids should take English and other literature courses, Poli-Sci if you want to learn how to bore people with your writing, unless it’s Pharmaceutical back-page copy, hehe.
Research/Account Planning kids can dabble in Sociology, [Social] Psychology, Anthropology, and many others. There is so much to learn, so much to get. [Note: I took courses in these three other majors for fun.]
TO PROSPECTIVE TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Those of you who want to become Art Directors, you’re in luck, Tyler is going to be right next door to help you get those creative juices flowing.
Also, the faculty is great and always helpful. And like other students have said, being in a big city has its advantages such as being able to take internships at communications or ad agencies. Not only are these agencies available, but the amount of media you are able to consume in these bigger cities is a big advantage within itself.
And most importantly, do what you really want to do in life.
This is a great quote from Chuck: “The man who does not work for the love of work but only for money is not likely to make money nor find much fun in life.” -Charles M. Schwab [TALK TO CHUCK advertising campaign for Charles Schwab]
CAMILO’S FINAL THOUGHTS & COMMENTS:
Cheesy, but true… Nike: JUST DO IT!
Do work for all the available competitions for Students, especially the free ones! You’ll be amazed at the stuff you can win or the attention you may get. Not to mention the bragging rights.
And for those of us who can’t afford subscriptions to magazines like CREATIVITY, AdAge, etc… read up on them online, it’s free. After a week everything gets pulled for subscribers only. Also, all TV commercials, at least the good ones, are on YouTube or some other video site, anything and everything can be found online.
Oh, and don’t forget to say hello to Gayle everyday.
Graduation Date | May 2008 Department Track | Account Management Major/Minor | Advertising major, General Business Studies minor Clubs & Organizations | Public Relations Student Society of American, Temple Ad Club, American Marketing Association, A Choired Taste
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I am one of the 28 members of the Associates Program (a 12 month rotational program through departments such as production, planning, program management and consulting) at Ogilvy New York.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE A TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENT?
My all-time favorite memory was visiting Ogilvy New York sophomore year with Dr. Marra’s class. The trip inspired and motivated me to want to work at Ogilvy one day, a dream that came true! Also, I made great friends through the ad department and share many great memories with them.
HOW HAS TEMPLE ADVERTISING HELP TO SHAPE YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
If I hadn’t gone to Temple and spent the past 4 years in Philadelphia, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My Temple professors and peers taught me so much about the advertising business – not just from a textbook, but from real-world experience. Their knowledge inspired me to want to do great things and ultimately motivated me to set goals and take chances. Also, the opportunity for me to study abroad at Temple Rome was an invaluable experience.
Being in Philadelphia gave me access to great agencies and advertising professionals. I was able to attend networking events through my involvement in extra-curriculars . Also, I was able to attain internships at both Red Tettemer and Tierney Communications, two well respected agencies only 15 minutes from Temple in Center City.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU TOOK AWAY FROM YOUR ADVERTISING EDUCATION?
Experience is key! It’s wonderful to be a great student and have a high GPA, but it’s meaningless if you can’t put what you’ve learned into practice. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for these experiences. For example, I spent a summer with no more than $30 in my checking account because I was working at an unpaid internship. But that internship led to another, which led to a part-time job, which led to me being here at Ogilvy. When it comes down to it, your professional experiences are more valuable (and relevant) to a future employer than your grade in Advertising 101.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY & ADVERTISING IN PARTICULAR?
I was awful when it came to college searching! To be honest, I don’t think I knew where I was supposed to be. But when I visited Temple, I just knew it was right for me and that I would be successful there. It’s a feeling I think that every kid gets when they arrive at the perfect school for them. I loved the fact that Temple is in the city, but still felt very much like a college campus. The fusion of the two was just right for me.
Temple University originally popped up on my list of prospective colleges because of the strong communications program. I started out in the Film & Media Arts program, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I took a few classes in some other disciplines, but after Introduction to Advertising, I was hooked. I was intrigued by the perfect marriage between creativity and business strategy.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Take advantage of being in Philadelphia, from networking opportunities to your social life. I knew too many students who hardly left campus to go explore the city, or to get a job. Employers want to know what makes you special. What makes you jump off the page. Going out and experiencing things, such as studying abroad, volunteering, doing internships (paid or not) at interesting companies, those things make you unique. In the advertising business, especially during this economy, jobs are limited and the competition is fierce. Just like a brand, you must figure out what your promise is, what makes your personal brand special. Once you find it, sell it!
TO PROSPECTIVE TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Take the time to figure out who you truly are. I know it sounds cliche, but most kids think they’ve got themselves and everyone else figured out by the time they’re 18. Though this may induce eye rolling, it’s just not true. When you don’t know who you are, you tend to let other’s opinions affect your choices. For example, you shouldn’t pick a college based on the fact that 90% of your graduating class is going there, or they have a great football team, or because your best friend’s older sister goes there and likes it. None of that stuff has to do with you, and none of those things may add anything to your college experience. Find out who you are, what you like, what you want (and need) out of your college experience. Once you’ve done that, stick to your guns. It doesn’t matter if your college is in the sticks, or in North Philly, if it’s the right place for you, then it’s the right place for you. Period.
LEANNE’S FINAL THOUGHTS & COMMENTS:
If you’d like to learn more about the Ogilvy Associates Program, or the Summer Internship program, do not hesitate to contact me at leanne.perzel@ogilvy.com. I’d be happy to hear your questions, comments and concerns.
Graduation Date | May 2006 Department Track | Copywriting Major/Minor | Advertising major Clubs & Organizations | Treasurer of Temple’s Advertising Club (previously TAAF) Website | http://www.taralawall.com/
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I am 1 month from graduating Miami Ad School, an advertising portfolio finishing school. I studied for a year in South Beach Miami, then I went to their campus in Hamburg, Germany for 3 months. I then went to intern at Saatchi and Saatchi in London for 3 months, then Saatchi and Saatchi in NYC for 3 months, and I am now finishing up at Lowe NYC. I hope to get a job in NYC starting in January.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE A TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENT?
There were some incredibly talented students and teachers in the Advertising program at Temple. Attending the Advertising Women of New York (AWNY) conference 2 years in a row through the Temple Advertising Club was a highlight because I learned that I wanted to work towards eventually living and working in New York. Also, while at Temple I had 4 internships in Philadelphia, at SFGT Inc, Gyro Worldwide, Philadelphia Magazine, and Stick and Move. These internships helped me figure out that I wanted to specialize in creative advertising and, specifically, copywriting.
HOW HAS TEMPLE ADVERTISING HELP TO SHAPE YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
I transferred to Temple from University of Maryland because of its incredible communications program. I did not know what career I wanted to pursue and Temple got me confidently on a path that I enjoy.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU TOOK AWAY FROM YOUR ADVERTISING EDUCATION?
I learned that there is a career that incorporates what I love about business and what I love about creativity and innovation.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY & ADVERTISING IN PARTICULAR?
I am from Bucks County so I was happy to find a city school close to home with a great communications program. Dr. Maynard, the Chair of Advertising, is energetic and passionate about making the program the best it can be for the students, constantly changing the curriculum to make it bigger and better.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Internship, internship, internship! Take advantage of the city to learn more about advertising on a hands on way. There is no excuse to not have, at least, one internship while you are at Temple.
TO PROSPECTIVE TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
In advertising it is important to be in a city so that you can have a real life internship. Temple is a great option because the advertising major is so specific and also because you learn about every part of advertising.You can be confident that you want to be an account, creative, or media person in advertising because Temple teaches you in depth what each job entails. Temple gets you ready for a job.
Success Stories
RELATED LINKS
Juan Camilo Aguirre, Class of 2008, Account Management and Copywriting Track
Leanne Perzel, Class of 2008, Account Management Track
Tara Lawall, Class of 2006, Copywriting Track
JUAN CAMILO AGUIRRE’S STORY
Department Track | Account Management / Copywriting
Major/Minor | Advertising major
Clubs & Organizations | Temple Ad Club
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I can be found running around the city that doesn’t sleep when not chained to my desk at an A-List* Agency working as an Assistant Account Exec at The Vidal Partnership. [*AdvertisingAge 2008, 2007, 2006]
My group works on Hispanic advertising for McNeil Consumer Healthcare [J&J] who are the makers of TYLENOL® and other great products that help you feel better. Basically, we do everything in Español y somos muy buenos.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE A TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENT?
The classes.
I’m serious, never missed a class unless I was really really sick. Favorite classes were Copywriting, Interactive, any Donnelly class, DEC, etc… basically all of them, the Advertising ones at least.
DEC was a lot of fun. Real work, real experience, but also real tears for those who couldn’t handle the pressure.
But the best memory would have to be when Bill ‘The Don’ Donnelly, in front of the entire Media Planning II class, said: “I love this kid… but he’s going to die young.” Lets just hope his prophecy doesn’t come true.
Talking to Donnelly is always great, inside and outside of class. Whether it’s about business or any off cuff subject, it’ll definitely be entertaining and you’ll leave the building a wiser man. Just think of him as Mr. Miyagi and you are Daniel-San, the master and the student.
HOW HAS TEMPLE ADVERTISING HELP TO SHAPE YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
The Dept. of Advertising, really allows for you to grow. Many of the teachers have an open door policy that makes them accessible and they pride themselves in their students’ hard work, especially when it shines through.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU TOOK AWAY FROM YOUR ADVERTISING EDUCATION?
COMMUNICATION: there is a big lack of it out there. You have to communicate. Nowadays, it’s all through e-mail or text messaging, there is no face-to-face time.
In order to communicate with Donnelly, it had to be the old fashioned way. He doesn’t respond well to e-mails and it pushed you to go to class, to learn, to become wiser, to be good.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY & ADVERTISING IN PARTICULAR?
I ended up in Advertising by mistake. I forget how I ended up in Dr. Marra’s Intro to Media and Society class and fell in love with advertising. And they say love at first sight doesn’t exist.
Also, Dr. Marra may not remember this but that semester he said I was really good at this advertising thing since I orchestrated the Beyond project in my group. Later that week I withdrew from Mechanical Engineering and became an Advertising major. My mom didn’t talk to me for a month or so, but she loves me now.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
It’s like SVA’s motto: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT TO BE GOOD?
You have to be consistent and go for what you want. You get what you put into it. You can’t just go to class and call it a day. You have to be constantly creating, doing, moving. Get involved in anything and everything you can get your hands on. Even if it is making an ad for a deli, you’ll learn a whole lot about that business or how to do work for others.
Enlighten yourself and take other classes depending on the track you’re in. For example:
TO PROSPECTIVE TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Those of you who want to become Art Directors, you’re in luck, Tyler is going to be right next door to help you get those creative juices flowing.
Also, the faculty is great and always helpful. And like other students have said, being in a big city has its advantages such as being able to take internships at communications or ad agencies. Not only are these agencies available, but the amount of media you are able to consume in these bigger cities is a big advantage within itself.
And most importantly, do what you really want to do in life.
This is a great quote from Chuck: “The man who does not work for the love of work but only for money is not likely to make money nor find much fun in life.” -Charles M. Schwab [TALK TO CHUCK advertising campaign for Charles Schwab]
CAMILO’S FINAL THOUGHTS & COMMENTS:
Cheesy, but true… Nike: JUST DO IT!
Do work for all the available competitions for Students, especially the free ones! You’ll be amazed at the stuff you can win or the attention you may get. Not to mention the bragging rights.
And for those of us who can’t afford subscriptions to magazines like CREATIVITY, AdAge, etc… read up on them online, it’s free. After a week everything gets pulled for subscribers only. Also, all TV commercials, at least the good ones, are on YouTube or some other video site, anything and everything can be found online.
Oh, and don’t forget to say hello to Gayle everyday.
back to top
LEANNE PERZEL’S STORY
Department Track | Account Management
Major/Minor | Advertising major, General Business Studies minor
Clubs & Organizations | Public Relations Student Society of American, Temple Ad Club, American Marketing Association, A Choired Taste
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I am one of the 28 members of the Associates Program (a 12 month rotational program through departments such as production, planning, program management and consulting) at Ogilvy New York.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE A TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENT?
My all-time favorite memory was visiting Ogilvy New York sophomore year with Dr. Marra’s class. The trip inspired and motivated me to want to work at Ogilvy one day, a dream that came true! Also, I made great friends through the ad department and share many great memories with them.
HOW HAS TEMPLE ADVERTISING HELP TO SHAPE YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
If I hadn’t gone to Temple and spent the past 4 years in Philadelphia, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My Temple professors and peers taught me so much about the advertising business – not just from a textbook, but from real-world experience. Their knowledge inspired me to want to do great things and ultimately motivated me to set goals and take chances. Also, the opportunity for me to study abroad at Temple Rome was an invaluable experience.
Being in Philadelphia gave me access to great agencies and advertising professionals. I was able to attend networking events through my involvement in extra-curriculars . Also, I was able to attain internships at both Red Tettemer and Tierney Communications, two well respected agencies only 15 minutes from Temple in Center City.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU TOOK AWAY FROM YOUR ADVERTISING EDUCATION?
Experience is key! It’s wonderful to be a great student and have a high GPA, but it’s meaningless if you can’t put what you’ve learned into practice. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for these experiences. For example, I spent a summer with no more than $30 in my checking account because I was working at an unpaid internship. But that internship led to another, which led to a part-time job, which led to me being here at Ogilvy. When it comes down to it, your professional experiences are more valuable (and relevant) to a future employer than your grade in Advertising 101.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY & ADVERTISING IN PARTICULAR?
I was awful when it came to college searching! To be honest, I don’t think I knew where I was supposed to be. But when I visited Temple, I just knew it was right for me and that I would be successful there. It’s a feeling I think that every kid gets when they arrive at the perfect school for them. I loved the fact that Temple is in the city, but still felt very much like a college campus. The fusion of the two was just right for me.
Temple University originally popped up on my list of prospective colleges because of the strong communications program. I started out in the Film & Media Arts program, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I took a few classes in some other disciplines, but after Introduction to Advertising, I was hooked. I was intrigued by the perfect marriage between creativity and business strategy.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Take advantage of being in Philadelphia, from networking opportunities to your social life. I knew too many students who hardly left campus to go explore the city, or to get a job. Employers want to know what makes you special. What makes you jump off the page. Going out and experiencing things, such as studying abroad, volunteering, doing internships (paid or not) at interesting companies, those things make you unique. In the advertising business, especially during this economy, jobs are limited and the competition is fierce. Just like a brand, you must figure out what your promise is, what makes your personal brand special. Once you find it, sell it!
TO PROSPECTIVE TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Take the time to figure out who you truly are. I know it sounds cliche, but most kids think they’ve got themselves and everyone else figured out by the time they’re 18. Though this may induce eye rolling, it’s just not true. When you don’t know who you are, you tend to let other’s opinions affect your choices. For example, you shouldn’t pick a college based on the fact that 90% of your graduating class is going there, or they have a great football team, or because your best friend’s older sister goes there and likes it. None of that stuff has to do with you, and none of those things may add anything to your college experience. Find out who you are, what you like, what you want (and need) out of your college experience. Once you’ve done that, stick to your guns. It doesn’t matter if your college is in the sticks, or in North Philly, if it’s the right place for you, then it’s the right place for you. Period.
LEANNE’S FINAL THOUGHTS & COMMENTS:
If you’d like to learn more about the Ogilvy Associates Program, or the Summer Internship program, do not hesitate to contact me at leanne.perzel@ogilvy.com. I’d be happy to hear your questions, comments and concerns.
back to top
TARA LAWALL’S STORY
Department Track | Copywriting
Major/Minor | Advertising major
Clubs & Organizations | Treasurer of Temple’s Advertising Club (previously TAAF)
Website | http://www.taralawall.com/
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
I am 1 month from graduating Miami Ad School, an advertising portfolio finishing school. I studied for a year in South Beach Miami, then I went to their campus in Hamburg, Germany for 3 months. I then went to intern at Saatchi and Saatchi in London for 3 months, then Saatchi and Saatchi in NYC for 3 months, and I am now finishing up at Lowe NYC. I hope to get a job in NYC starting in January.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE A TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENT?
There were some incredibly talented students and teachers in the Advertising program at Temple. Attending the Advertising Women of New York (AWNY) conference 2 years in a row through the Temple Advertising Club was a highlight because I learned that I wanted to work towards eventually living and working in New York. Also, while at Temple I had 4 internships in Philadelphia, at SFGT Inc, Gyro Worldwide, Philadelphia Magazine, and Stick and Move. These internships helped me figure out that I wanted to specialize in creative advertising and, specifically, copywriting.
HOW HAS TEMPLE ADVERTISING HELP TO SHAPE YOUR CAREER PATH TODAY?
I transferred to Temple from University of Maryland because of its incredible communications program. I did not know what career I wanted to pursue and Temple got me confidently on a path that I enjoy.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU TOOK AWAY FROM YOUR ADVERTISING EDUCATION?
I learned that there is a career that incorporates what I love about business and what I love about creativity and innovation.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO TEMPLE UNIVERSITY & ADVERTISING IN PARTICULAR?
I am from Bucks County so I was happy to find a city school close to home with a great communications program. Dr. Maynard, the Chair of Advertising, is energetic and passionate about making the program the best it can be for the students, constantly changing the curriculum to make it bigger and better.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
Internship, internship, internship! Take advantage of the city to learn more about advertising on a hands on way. There is no excuse to not have, at least, one internship while you are at Temple.
TO PROSPECTIVE TEMPLE ADVERTISING STUDENTS?
In advertising it is important to be in a city so that you can have a real life internship. Temple is a great option because the advertising major is so specific and also because you learn about every part of advertising.You can be confident that you want to be an account, creative, or media person in advertising because Temple teaches you in depth what each job entails. Temple gets you ready for a job.
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