AAE obsessed with psychology and new to the world of advertising but looking to learn more about being a Strategist. Anyone have any advice as to what it’s like and how to get there?

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Talk to the strategists in your agency. Seriously, grab a coffee and have a conversation. I was pulled into Strategy after reaching out to an EVP with a question about his presentation, which turned into an hour-long chat. That got me a job offer. And other strategists can share similar stories, I bet - strategists i know who see talent in young guns like you will try to steal you away from account.

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Echoing what others have said, you just need to make your ambition known and remain exposed to strategists. If you’re smart, interesting, and consistently have a strong and insightful point of view, they’ll make an opportunity open up.

But it’s a bit like joining a secret society in that if you just knock on the front door with a amateur interest in psychology, you won’t get very far.

Also, watch movies and read books on film. Read lots of great fiction (not YA).

Psychology is about 5% of what you need to know

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There are many ways, and not all involve spending money and going to school. I got in because I was a writer and journalist beforehand.
What about publishing what you’re reading about psychology or POV’s about campaigns that moved you? Or zeroing in on a subject you’re interested in and really dissecting it?

The most important thing for a strat at the junior level is showing that you can write, that you have an interesting POV, and know how to build arguments.

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Agreed. Speak up and ask questions of the strategists. Read as much as you can about strategy.Offer your help in the strategy phase.

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This has worked pretty well in the past— Get a sense of the gig by talking to planners. Start with the planner you know best. Ask that person to recommend 2-3 more people and ask those folks to have coffee. If you’re confident this is a career you’d like to pursue reach out to John Kenny.

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People call me all the time with questions like this. Good suggestion

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Find a mentor. Watch. Listen. Learn. Contribute. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Make your opinions known and confidently deliver

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Hook them up with the best VP strategy in your building.

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Are you in Chicago?

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NYC

Find Faris and Julian Cole’s book list and read all of them. They’re organised by seniority level.

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Ask too many questions

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Thank you all! I truly appreciate all of the advice and insight and will be trying some of these tactics now

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