How I got into the big bad world of Advertising
I remember graduating from college and wondering…where do I go from here? How do I start looking for a job? Especially, how do i get into the big, bad glamorous world of advertising as a copywriter?
I’ve always had this thing for copywriting. But having graduated from a design college, I never got much chance to explore in that area.
I looked in the newspapers for jobs available. I went for interviews, with my hopes all up. But all the places I wanted to do copywriting at all said I was too inexperienced for the job. The design jobs on the other hand, invited me to join them with open arms. I couldn’t blame them as I know I have no experience in copywriting.
I couldn’t get into big international agencies either (as a copywriter or designer) with the lack of experience.
Later that week, my friend mailed me and said, “Hey remember the lady we interviewed for our college project last semester, Janet? The one that runs 95%? I stumbled upon her blog. Well they’ve got this new short hands on class for copywriting. Maybe it would be a good place for you to start.” So out of curiosity, I mailed Janet.
She replied a few hours later explaining what the course is about. With her close contacts with people from the advertising industry, she would usually get people from agencies to come over to judge our work at the end of each module. Oh and trust me they are THE PEOPLE you would want to meet in advertising and get to know.
I loved how promising and how closely related this is to the real workforce so I went in on a weekend to see her to talk about the course more. I was, in the end, offered to work for them since I wasn’t working anyway, and to take the classes at night. I was delighted! So I went on my 6 months Copywriters in Progress trainings adventure.
At the course, i felt like I was working in an agency for the past 6 months and not studying to work in an industry for 6 months. I ended the course with flying results, a job in hand and a few other offers too! And all from the big players of the industry.
That was how I got my first job. Think it’s fate? Coincidence? Whatever it is, they sure helped boost me to where I am today and I am forever grateful. I have now moved onto a new job, but also because of the great work I did in 95%. I’m moving up the ladder, doing quality work and loving it!
I am still very close to the people at 95%. Everyone at 95%, my ex colleagues and trainers, I can’t thank them more.
I went back this morning (17.07.08) to join them in an interview with NTV7’s Breakfast Show as their graduate. It has only been less than a year but how things have changed! They now have a better programme called Hydrogen to replace the one I did.
95% and 4 A’s (Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia) has designed a 6-month training for fresh talent who want to be Copywriters, Account Executives and Strategic Planners. The revolutionary feature of this training is that candidates get a guaranteed job when they sign up. They’ll get the job confirmation letter even before they start training. And when they graduate, their salary will be no less than RM2,300. This is guaranteed.
Now the best part. Which agencies have offered guaranteed jobs?
McCann Erickson
Lowe & Partners (Which I am currently working for.)
Gan For Hire
Naga-DDB
Rapp Collins
CC + J Adhaus
Milk & Co
Mega Advertising
Grey Worldwide
Earth, Wind & Fire
Dentsu Young & Rubicam
Big names, big agencies huh?
I have to say I half wish they came up with this new programme when I was there. I mean…look at the agencies! But of course I am still thankful for the one I went through cause I came out the other end with a job and all geared up to go. But if you are interested in a job guaranteed course, maybe you could check out their website/blog and tell me what you think!
Blog: http://www.enter95percent.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.95percent.com.my/
And if you are trying to get into advertising, good luck and I hope I’ve helped!
July 17th, 2008 at 1:38 pm (#)
95%. Yeap, they sure know their stuff. Janet was my lecturer’s friend and she came to my class in college to talk to us. She invited us to attend their overview and I did. Was very impressed with their course. They guaranteed that without any doubt by the time you had completed the course, you will definitely get an offer, at least! And what I know, they’ll drilled the students until ideas and creativity start to pop like popping popcorns! So, yes, I was very impressed and thought of joining the course. However, due to the fees issue (can’t really afford it although it’s for good benefit). In the end, I didn’t end up in the advertising world although I did went for an interview in Dentsu. Was quite gung-ho to know that I’ve been asked to attend the interview. =)
Although I didn’t enter into advertising but I still keep close ties with the industry. Firstly because have a friend working in BBDO and I still have my interest for advertising. So, yeah I feel if those who want to enter the advertising world, go to 95% first. Get yourself prepared before facing the real “cruelty” of advertising. Not trying to scare anyone here, k.. Hehehehe….
July 18th, 2008 at 12:42 am (#)
Yup… 95%. The trainers themself are the industry professional themself… We were really trained on the art, skill and craft. It realy feels like you are already working on a brand/product in an agency. Not only you learn about the industry… you learn about yourself… the best part for me was… it’s only 6 months, no text book and I can still keep my day job to pay the fees.
and the new HYDROGEN thingi…. you are guaranteed into the world of advertising in 6 months.
July 18th, 2008 at 12:56 am (#)
oh… 95% representatives… will be at touring around today… so catch them if you can and find out more about HYDROGEN
11am - Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
230pm - KL Sentral
5pm - Menara Millenium
Get a preview of the training Free…
on 19th & 20th (sat&sun, 2 pm)
- meet the trainers, get to talk to them
- watch some of the award winning ads…
- find out more about the Advertising industry and how you can get become a copywriter, strategy planner or account executive in 6 months
July 18th, 2008 at 1:10 am (#)
wait….
i forgot to tell… I sign up for ‘Hydrogen’…
I’m assign to DENTSU MALAYSIA… ;D
July 18th, 2008 at 1:10 am (#)
how cool is that…. hee heee
July 18th, 2008 at 1:55 am (#)
wow you’re really excited…haha.
July 18th, 2008 at 2:12 am (#)
yeah…how cool is that!…that is some information.
July 19th, 2008 at 4:39 am (#)
nice post.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:34 am (#)
Funny how of all ad agencies you’ve mentioned, Ogilvy and Mather’s not in the list. Heh. Oh, Saatchi and JWT too.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:52 am (#)
Yea i guess they weren’t quite interested in the program. Since the people at 95%/4a’s went from agency to angency asking if they would like to join in the program and cooperate with them. Can’t get everyone to cooperate all the time.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:57 pm (#)
Hey Everyone.
If you are curious about Advertising but have no idea what it is.
Come for a Free Advertising Career Talk and find out what it takes to be in Advertising. Bring your friends too.
27th July 2008, Sunday.
2 - 4pm : Career Prospects In Advertising
4 - 5pm : Training Overview
Venue: Wisma Dicklin, Bangsar. Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: 03-2287 7095
Email: weiming@95percent.com.my
Mobile: 012 608 2270
Call to confirm your attendance.(so we can prepare a seat(s) for you and your friends) :)or drop me an email/sms.
Cheers
Wei Ming
August 5th, 2008 at 12:20 am (#)
I am hoping to get into the world of advertising as an advertiser but I do not have the knowledge of how to get there. I’m hoping to work with Digi, so maybe you can explain where to start?