Breaking Into Advertising: Insider Secrets From 25 Years in the Industry

Ever wonder what it actually takes to land your first job in advertising or media? Karen talks with Beth Egan — a 25-year advertising industry veteran (Coca-Cola, AT&T, Kraft, L'Oréal) and associate professor at Syracuse University's Newhouse School — who's spent over a decade watching what separates the students who get hired from the ones who don't.

Beth breaks down why the agency path is still the best training ground even as Google, Amazon, and TikTok reshape the industry, and why "don't quit a job you haven't been offered yet" should be your mantra during the search. She explains the timing quirks specific to advertising hiring (spoiler: it's not like finance), the real reason certifications like Excel and Google Ads matter, and why your resume should absolutely include that weird hobby you think doesn't belong there.

But the real gold is in the networking advice — the "rule of three," why the person you don't want to work for might be your most valuable connection, and Beth's favorite Barbara Walters story about learning to sit with silence instead of spiraling. She's also blunt about what actually gets people promoted: showing up, staying curious, and being the person who raises their hand for the tough project.

If you're chasing a career in advertising, media, or communications — or just want real talk on networking that works — this episode is packed with tactical, no-fluff advice you can use today.

Show Notes:

• Go HERE to find the Advertising Agency LUMAscape, a visual overview of the ad agency ecosystem. Check out LUMAscapes from the entire digital world!
• Good Read: The Confidence Code: A Scientific Guide to Finding Trust in Your Decision-Making (Authors Claire Shipman and Katty Kay)
• Certifications and LinkedIn Badges to build your skills:
  • Google AI Essentials
  • Google Skillshop - Google Ads or Google Analytics
  • Excel
  • Amazon Ads
  • Meta Certification
  • The Trade Desk Academy - Trade Desk Marketing Essentials

LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.
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