It’s been little over a year and yes I have survived my first year in advertising. Sure I hardly ever ate anything my first month (I really did feel like I was going to puke that first week) and sure I still have that ‘deer caught in the headlights’ look (I would think not as nearly as much as before but oh well). But I am learning and feel pretty great at getting a chance to work on some pretty cool brands.
I graduated from Sheridan College in June 2009 from the Web Design Post Graduate program. It was an exciting time for sure, but scary. The thought of finding employment during the recession was daunting. Nonetheless, I focused on what I was interested in doing in my career and the type of experience that I wanted to get. So that’s when I met Dashboard and I have been here ever since.
Some things I’ve learned at Dashboard thus far:
- Brainstorming sessions are intense, come prepared
- Ideas and concepts are precious, every single one of ‘em
- The Dev guys are not crazy, they just like to sing
- Failing is part of learning, but you have got to try
- Stay away from Tim’s Breakfast Sandwiches…
- Company parties are like marathons… carb up for energy
- Aspire to be neat and organized like the Account people
- Outline your weaknesses and “just do it”
- Name your layers. (More time for creative thought other than searching for files)
- You can learn a lot from your Seniors. Ask when you don’t know
One thing that continues to intrigue and inspire me since day one is how strategy, concept, design and execution is constantly at work here. I’ve learned that I’m a piece of a puzzle (and feel like it too) here at Dashboard, that collectively works together to problem solve and produce kick ass work. It feels pretty good to wake up and want to come into work.
James Clark says: