Nowadays, companies expect students to leave college with hands-on experience. At this moment, you might squirm in your chair wondering, “How am I supposed to get experience as a college student?” College internships make or break you when the time comes to start applying for jobs. Here at the University of Florida, an opportunity awaits.
The Agency sits, waiting at the corner of the J-school school, for you.
First off — What is the Agency?
A magical place full of adventure awaits. Colors explode around you as if your creativity has been let loose after years of entrapment. This firm allows you to learn through hands-on experience by working with real clients. Even better, students form the entire staff. Who knew we could run the world? The Agency prepares our generation of college students to take on the future.
Crafts
Within the experience, take advantage of experimentation. The Agency provides a selection of crafts to experiment with. However, do not fear that this will define your future. You will not get trapped with the first wise selection you made. The Agency allows flexibility to learn about other areas of advertising. Here, learning real-life positions such as account management, account planning, media planning, art direction and copywriting allows you to dip your toes in each position of the advertising field before deciding which position is right for you. If adventure calls your soul, The Agency calls you.
Work Like A Machine
Sweat, tears and most importantly love, pours into the work you create. Dedication to The Agency allows you to build brand loyalty with the public. Advertising relies on trust. Without dedication, a campaign doesn’t exist. Of course, you could not possibly do this on your own. The Agency works as a team machine. When monster projects try to tear every piece of you to threads, just look around. A team of hard workers surrounds you. People from every craft jump jobs in order to accomplish the ultimate goal.
Mad Skills
When working for The Agency, the top US advertising program, your skills naturally evolve. This advertising agency introduces concepts out of this world. “The experience and opportunity to gain real-world experience in the Agency is exactly what I’m working for,” University of Florida sophomore Sara Pickett said. Students learn skills essential for future careers such as communication and teamwork. Now at least you will have something other than “expert commercial watcher” on your resume. The Agency allows you to let your brain flow with brainstorms for campaigns. The students also try to remain interactive. If you love the pancake flip sense in your stomach, you will love this rollercoaster. Real deal clients hold meetings over the phone, so you suddenly snap into the mode of professionalism. Soon enough you will learn how to “talk cool” like the upperclassman. Hurry up! Learning opportunities by professionals await your services.
The Perks
We love perks. Do not fear, because with all this hard work comes with a little something to make you feel special. First, the scenery of The Agency makes you feel like you arrived in candy land. The fun upbeat colors keep you in the best mood possible. The amazing space stays open 24/7 to any Agency member for use of hanging out or cramming in assignments. If you need a pick me up, the fabulous red coffee machine awaits your selection. To top it off, the Mac computers have all the Adobe programs on it. What kind of magical theme park beats this playground?
The Transition
In a land far, far away, there lies a universe where you can play in the snow all day and drink hot chocolate without a care in the world. Hate to break it to you, that world has disappeared into your childhood memories. Congratulations, your wish came true… adulthood. A lot happens here; go to college, join clubs, get an internship, get a job, find an apartment, bills, bills, bills … yes, very overwhelming. However, The Agency smooths this process over a bit. Finding a job out of college becomes easier because agencies value this hands-on experience. However, you learn to mentally transition. The Agency allows the student to experience … the real world. *insert dramatic music here* “A better way to define it would be that it helped ease the transition…Agencies are hard work with strict deadlines,” UF Agency Alumni AJ Shepard said. Take a load off of your future self and start adapting your world now.
The Competition
I don’t know about you, but I love competition. The feeling of winning beats the satisfaction of breaking the seal of an Oreo case. At the University of Florida, we never lose. One year, three advertising students ran a campaign calling for greyhound adoptions. They put their creative Agency minds together and designed lovable greyhound posters persuading people to adopt them as pets. The campaign became so successful, the students won a Gold Addy Award. This award recognizes the creative spirit in the arts of advertising. These women took their knowledge from The Agency and set themselves up for success. Now, the baton falls to you.
Friendship
During Superbowl season, The Agency, Ad Society and Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), team up and compete in the Brand Bowl. Students involved in these groups watch the Superbowl and analyze the honesty, brand trust and future purchase probability. This does not only present a bonding experience to make connections but a learning experience. Evaluating Super Bowl ads based on trust allow students to explore different ideas and perspectives. Working with these groups of people also provide a support group. UF Agency’s, Mark Rottensteiner, congratulates his classmates with “Congratulations grads! We’ll miss every single one of you.” Time to introduce yourself to human interaction other than your TV screen.
Works
In gator country, we support diversity. Everyone shines with their own personality. The Agency represents UF in their own style, by advertising clients. Listed below, some of the major companies they represent. The Agency likes to focus on companies that aspire for new creation and a better future.
- McDonald’s
- NBC
- P&G
- Hershal
- Best Buy
- Smuckers
How To Prepare
Step 1: Get out of bed and stop dreaming.
Step 2: Communicate with people and join clubs involved in your major.
Step 3: Take meaningful classes and start connecting with people in The Agency. Get some guts and talk to some strangers! It will seem hard connecting with these students because no one wants to reply to a stranger in their DM box. However, going to The Agency and asking questions becomes a great start.
Step 4: Hope for the best. They ask the basic questions. Depending on the position, the application will change. Make sure you have samples of your previous work in the craft such as art pieces or published writing. If you do not get in … remember 3rd times a charm!
Skills to Impress
Every semester, students look for new innovative minds. They will never choose the same type of talent or personality because The Agency likes to bounce ideas off of each other. If you want to make yourself stand out, present yourself as interesting and unique. Do not be the classic boring student who fits all the qualifications. Go above … and beyond!
The Deets
Email: [email protected] Phone: 352-294-3848
Address:
The Agency
University of Florida
1000 Weimer Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
