I’ve been at my agency for almost 3 years now and recently got promoted from junior level to mid-level. I discovered copywring my senior year of college and got hired right after I graduated. I’ve learned a lot from my job and think I’ve improved as a copywriter, but I often feel like I’m struggling to keep my head above water. I want to keep improving my skills and work on some more exciting projects. I’m considering doing an online portfolio school like Adhouse, but wondering (cont.)

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Congratulations on the promotion! IMO no one can give you the answer to this question. No one knows you like you do. If portfolio classes seem like they’d be useful to you, go for it. As others have said, there are other ways to improve, but maybe the structure of class would be helpful to you. Whatever you decide, I wouldn’t worry about the perception of taking a step back. Seeking to improve is never the wrong move.

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Thanks so much! And yeah I’m thinking a class would help me, mainly because just about everything I know about CW I’ve learned from my current job so having more of a formal education under my belt would be good for me.

There are more efficient ways to sharpen your CW skills. An online portfolio school will likely teach you a lot of things you already know(and possibly some antiquated inaccuracies depending on whether your instructors are still in the biz). Not to mention you’ll be surrounded by bright eyed bushy tailed peeps who will be asking a lot of questions you already know the answers to, wasting your time. I’d suggest an online writing course, short stories, creative writing, that sort of thing. And side projects. Find a couple briefs and tackle them. Also read a lot and pay attention to the tv you watch. Lots of shows have amazing writing and storytelling.

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Thank you for the advice! Yeah, one of my main concerns is wasting money/time on classes that go over topics I already have a pretty good handle on. I have been wanting to take a creative writing course though so will definitely look into that!

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I’ve taken night classes at SVA as a junior working at an agency that didn’t really put out great work. There were others like me, in addition to total newcomers to advertising. You’re essentially paying to concept for campaigns under the guidance of a CD or 2, so it depends on the instructor.

From what I heard, Adhouse classes are structured similarly, and in fact have classes more geared towards those who already have basic knowledge.

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I did not, just said I had a hard stop at a certain time once a week. That wouldn’t even be an issue for you since you’re likely WFH.

I heard some agencies or holding companies would actually cover the cost, but mine only did it for degree programs. If yours covers continuing education, might be good to talk to HR about it. But I see no reason to talk to your manager or CD about it.

If this would be like taking a step back since I already have work experience? Should I do it to become a better writer or is there another program/course that would be more beneficial for me? Any thoughts and advice on this are greatly appreciated!

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I encourage you to write in other areas, such as fiction, to work writing skills as well as you conceptual skills. Read - a lot. Read about great writers and great writing. Dave Dye has a great blog that talks about past great ad makers. Their work is timeless because it is smart and relevant. If you’d like to work on a project on the side and want the one on one training and accountability that a portfolio school offers, consider Job Propulsion Lab. JPL customizes programs to the individual’s goals. The program range from one to six months and cost significantly less than portfolio schools. They also have a free critique too and free classes. Good luck on your efforts. I admire those who are motivated to improve. Carry on.

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Thank you for the suggestions and advice!! I love reading and have been switching it up between fun novels to books about copywriting/advertising. I’ll look more into JPL!

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Honestly, I question still whether my 2 years at Miami Ad School was worth it. There was no real technical education about copywriting, it was just a lot of learning through feedback from teachers on your assignments. Which I feel you might already be getting in the workplace. Do you feel your copy seniors don’t give you enough guidance/helpful feedback?

Thank you for your insight! That’s really interesting, and no I don’t really feel like I get much guidance. For awhile I was the only writer on our team so finding mentorship has been super difficult for me.

I haven’t read any of the above comments, but I’ll tell you that I felt in a similar position to you. And Adhouse has definitely been the thing for me.

It’s affordable. It gives you access to learn from some really talented people. And it’s giving me the missing pieces I needed to fill my book with work that’ll get me opportunities agencies I think.

George Tannenbaum teaches a class? Huh, that’s cool!

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