How many of you got in without ad school? How did it happen?

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I freelanced and got hooked up at BBDO. I had no in's. Being dependable and fast worked for me.

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Built a book and went to a portfolio review. One Club is great for getting started without any formal school

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Same for me

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I’m old, so I just figured out which was the hottest agency in NYC and applied as a secretary for the creative dept. Once I got hired, I took a class or two at SVA and bounced 5 different campaigns off my 5 writer bosses. Then I applied to other A-list NYC agencies and ultimately got hired.

Did my degree in graphic design at a city college and got an internship at McCann during school through someone my family worked with. After college started as an intern at a startup and was hired after. So family got me "in" but, you can be good in advertising without portfolio school...

Did a diploma of graphic design then got hired as an art directors assistant. She was no good at computer comps so I was kinda brought in to help her. Then she quit. Then the bosses made me the art director. I had no idea what I was doing but it worked out in the end.

I got a degree in Graphic Design and got hired as a Jr Art Director at an ad agency. 🤷🏾‍♂️

I was a receptionist at an ad agency while I was getting my MFA.

Went to the One School by the One Club. Now I’m here!!

You can try finding a partner to build your book with at makeadswithme.com!

Got my portfolio critiqued on Reddit. And took an 8 session night class at a local agency

@ACDcopywriter1 remember when it was "how do i get into advertising?" twice a day every day?

I knew Flash. That’s how I got in, as did several other creatives I knew with zero ad world experience.

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