Hi, I’m a creative who has yet to break into the industry and I have concerns.

As I continue to finish up my portfolio and hunt for creative jobs in advertising, I cannot help but get a bit discouraged. I see and hear so many horror stories about being black in advertising and a lot of times it just seems like the risks are much greater than any reward from working in this industry. Am I wrong in thinking so? I need a job and to make a living, but at what cost? How do I work through this?

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Think of it like dating. You might get lucky and get hired to work with a great team early in your career or you might have to kiss a lot of frogs to find the right match. The toxic environments I’ve worked at make me appreciate where I am now even more. If it’s your goal to work in this industry build the tolerance and patience to eventually get where you want to be.

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I agree to this too, it all depends on your team. Some teams are better than many, you want to a place that aligns to your management style & work expectations. And you can be a creative outside of agency, so I would be open to all opportunities.

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Not to give negative motivation but ... you're going to hear horror stories about being Black in any industry. If you have the ability, innate talent and desire to do it, do it. 🙂

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I don’t see this as negative motivation at all. You make a very good point. Thank you

Ask questions.

A lot of “it’s up to us” PR they put out this past summer doesn’t line up against what continues to happen inside.

Sooo you just realized your company is white as Tennessee oak, ok.

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Look for my linked in request. From Chicago. And I head to Gull Lake every summer, so there’s that!

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I'm not in advertising but in marketing for a networking organization. Here's my advice: when you interview with a company remember you are interviewing them too! There are questions you can ask to get a feel for the culture and environment. Also read glassdoor reviews as well so you know what you're walking in to. Don't be afraid to leave a job. If the environment is toxic take what you learned from it, refine your search process, and move on.

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Also how can we help you break into the industry? I KNOW that there’s a number of people in this group looking junior talent.

Let me know if we can help. We are placing a number of people in the industry.

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I am having 9 years of experience in testing (Both Manual and Automation)
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Does anyone know about staragile or anyone have done courses in it. If yes, is it helpful?

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Hey! Anyone interested in purchasing a SXSW Film badge at the early bird special cost of $895?

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If that’s you – we should chat! I would love to share my experience with you, so you can avoid some pretty common pitfalls I made.

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Welcome to the bowl, Please keep your posts focused towards Mastercard and tone as positive as possible.

Cheers 🍻

I studied computer science in school but I didn’t do well due to life coming in the way. I got poor grades but ultimately finished my degree without any internship experience.

After three months of job search, I started for 45K at a construction company as a Jr App Support. After a year I shifted in to QA for 65k and now after a year of QA, I have finally gotten a position as a software engineer for 78K base.

The imposter syndrome is finally gone!

Hang in there, hard work pays off.

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Anybody awake and want to chat? 35M here!

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I just passed a car with a pair of b*lls hanging from the back. Wtf

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What advice would you offer someone trying to survive their final year as a PhD student?

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Best place to seek out exit opps for tech companies? Can’t just be LinkedIn surely ..

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How do you feel about International Women’s Day? In my experience women are often undermined at work and yet often told to be more ambitious and confident. Would love to hear your thoughts on how we can level the playing field and promote the right talent to leadership positions.

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Hi fishes
I have offer from qualcomm, offer letter might come in next 2 days.
I have Nvidia interview next week. (Nvidia is dream company for me)

Assuming Nvidia interview takes 2 more weeks.
Is it okay if I accept qualcomm offer for nw and reject it later if Nvidia hires me.
Or without accepting qualcomm offer i need to inform same to qualcomm hr
What should I do?

(Ps . My current employer notice period is 60 days and it has not started yet)

#nvidia #qualcomm

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I am actively Looking for Job Change having 2.8+ yrs of experience in Cyber security domain ,#cybersecurity, #networksecurity , #SIEM , Log analysis, incident response, threat hunting and vulnerability assessment. Ready to relocate , Any leads could be helpful for me. Hope to hear from you soon. For further information please contact me.

I am looking for change the firm either to uk / Canada

Can I get Visa sponsership to change .. if yes please help me out.

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I know you recruiters must get tons of emails a day. For that reason, I keep my emails as short as possible. In other words, pretty vanilla. Name. Inquire. Short sentence about why I’m (cont.)

Additional Posts in Black In Advertising

Hi All!

Trying to grow your network but don’t know where to start? Or maybe your network needs a refresh?

Next week, from Monday to Friday connect with Tangie Murray, SVP at the 4As to ask her how to find, establish and sustain mentors in Advertising. Tangie will also answer your career & industry questions as well!

All week in the Black in Advertising bowl! See you next week!

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Anyone notice a sudden increase in agencies / recruiters reaching out after the current events? Clearly it's more beneficial now than ever to secure black talent...

Thoughts?

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Just checking on my good folks in this bowl. How’s everyone doing? Drop thoughts and feelings. Sending love from LA.

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Looking for a woman AD with mid to senior experience to partner up on a couple of projects. Please DM me

Guess ideation, writing, and concepts are not an option for us. So much for @dearblacktalent

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How did you find out about the company you’re currently working for?

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If the Ad Industry were a person... what would you ask it?

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So my former head of HR sent me a random picture of Beavis and Butthead followed by this: #WhatIsAir?

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I recently came across a job posting on Huge for Program Director in NY. Anyone know the recruiter or hiring manager for this role that I can get connected to?

Do yall think PSAs are effective ads and worth the time? I find them only effective as political ads...

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any SAE or AS who was laid off and is interested in a freelance role, DM me. ✊🏾

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Everytime I think about work and how I can't even make a strong case for myself for a promotion I get upset. I'm literally pissed that I'm past a year mark and have yet to learn anything new since month 2. I've researched and taught myself as much as I could but many things are "learn on the job" type skills and so nothing. And yes, I've constantly asked throughout this entire year yet nothing has happened only promises that its coming soon or I'll be included in upcoming xyz.

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An ex-colleague reached out to with an awesome opportunity for for someone interested in starting a career in HR with long term possibilities. It’s a new role and an entry level position for an HR Coordinator, so you don’t need tons of experience. Must love people which matters more than process. The ideal candidate is organized and a detailed go-getter. She really want to fill the roles with a Blk candidate!! Seeking GenX Black man or woman for HR Coordinator.

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I’m conflicted: Soul (the movie): yay, meh or nay? I liked it, but woke Twitter opinions are affecting me.

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Should only executives get to go Cannes? Other than the party aspect, it should be more teammates that actually worked on the work should go...just my salty thoughts.

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