Lessons in Advertising

By Amanda Eggert

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my internship at Laughlin Constable is to roll with the punches.

Advertising is a fast-paced industry that changes from minute to minute. There’s simply no time to pout or procrastinate. The options are go with the flow or be left behind. Perhaps the best example I have of this is my recent move to an office.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a creature of habit. When somewhat abruptly offered an office (a giant move up from my cubicle), my first thought was “Ahh! Something different!” Then 0.02 seconds past and I got a hold of myself. While nervous for a big change, I realized what a wonderful opportunity it was and just went with it. Days later I have an awesome space to call my own and am feeling more productive and integrated with the team.

Another aspect of rolling with the punches is letting things slide. Well, not “slide” as much as grow thicker skin. I’ll explain: I can’t tell you how many projects I’ve started (for prospective or current clients) that end up unnecessary, put on hold, or completely revised, days or even hours later. It’s tough to see hard work go to waste but that’s a product of advertising’s fast paced nature…it’s nothing against me.  Criticism is a good thing and every project is a learning opportunity regardless of whether the end product is used.

At the end of the day, it’s about embracing change. You just may be surprised at the outcome.

Amanda Eggert is a senior studying advertising and communication at Marquette. She currently interns for Milwaukee advertising agency Laughlin Constable in the company’s online and digital department. Amanda will share her experience interning in the advertising world throughout the course of the semester.

Nickel and Dimed: A Review

By Jennifer Janviere

Last week I saw our Theatre Arts department’s production of Nickel and Dimed. This play is a stage adaptation based on author Barbara Ehrenreich’s sociological experiment working among the ranks of the lowest paid individuals in the country and documenting whether it was actually possible to get by financially doing so.  The story follows Ehrenreich through various undercover experiences in a range of minimum-wage occupations, from restaurant server to housekeeper to retail clerk.

For anyone unable to catch this play during its two week run this month, an initial reaction to the above synopsis might be that the plot sounds a bit bleak. After all, the story chronicles Ehrenreich’s stint as a member of the working poor, complete with all the indignities and hardships regularly endured by this segment of the population.

Nickel and Dimed, contrary to expectations, was surprisingly uplifting and even funny in many parts. Highlights included the main character’s wryly humorous observations, as well as a wonderfully creative shopping cart dance number strategically set inside an infamous big box retailer.

Return The Favor

By Amanda Eggert

Recently, I gave my first ever informational interview!

Dave Hanneken (SVP Creative Director at Laughlin Constable) asked me to talk to a UW-Madison student about my journey in advertising thus far. Of course I said I yes! I myself had many informational interviews  prior to getting the job at Laughlin. One of which was with Dave.

It was a combination of luck, follow through and hard work that got me where I am today. Dave spoke in one of my classes at Marquette and that following Sunday I spotted him at my church. I approached him after mass, got his business card, contacted him, and went in for an informational interview. Bam! The rest is history.

I’ll admit I’m still new to the advertising industry, but I want to share what I’ve learned so far. I’m just trying to return the favor. Everyone starts somewhere.

Amanda Eggert is a senior studying advertising and communication at Marquette. She currently interns for Milwaukee advertising agency Laughlin Constable in the company’s online and digital department. Amanda will share her experience interning in the advertising world throughout the course of the semester.