Set For October 21, Career Day Is An Eye Opener In More Ways Than One

by Ralph Gonzalez
Aptly named “an eye opener into the world of advertising, marketing and public relations,” this year’s Career Day will provide a number of new venues and events when held at Montclair State University on October 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 pre- registration and $8 at the door.

Ad messages that work magic
Following breakfast provided by Dunkin’ Donuts and the first of two breakout sessions, keynote speaker Linda Kaplan Thaler will share insights into many of her award-winning ad campaigns, including the AFLAC duck, Pilot Pen’s “Pen Envy,” Herbal Essence “Totally Organic Experience,” Toys-R-Us “I don’t want to grow up” and Kodak Moments.

In her first appearance at an Ad Club function, Thaler enthralled a packed lunchtime audience with know-how, wit and charm last February at the Morristown Westin Inn. Her memorable ad campaign featuring an irreverent, seemingly inappropriate and silly quacking bird made little-known medical insurer American Family Life Assurance Company a household word. AFLAC’s public awareness level shot up from a miniscule 3% to 93% in just one year as a result of the campaign.

Linda Kaplan Thaler
Thaler’s winning ideas are cataloged in her best-selling book co-authored with business partner Robin Koval — Bang! Getting Your Message Heard in a Noisy World. Students who purchase the book at a special low price of $20 and have it autographed will have their names automatically entered into a drawing. The prize? A two-week unpaid internship at the Kaplan Thaler Group agency in Manhattan. Students must purchase the book to be entered in the raffle. It is only one of many drawings scheduled for the day.

Tips for today’s job market
Following Thaler to the dais will be guest speaker Valerie Patterson, a senior producer of several Web sites on The Wall Street Journal Online Network as well as monthly contributor on residential and commercial real estate to The Wall Street Journal’s “Money’s Worth” column in the “Personal Journal” section. Prior to joining The Wall Street Journal in 1997, Patterson worked for five years as an editor and reporter covering job-seeking issues of interest to college students and recent graduates. She will explore what it takes for students to successfully compete in today’s market for advertising, communications, public relations and creative jobs.

Full-day program planned
Two breakout sessions with guest panelists from area agencies will explore careers in media, public relations, marketing, creative, the total agency, Web advertising and client services/agency management. Two morning sessions are scheduled — from 9:15 to 10:00 am and from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm.

Lunch will feature a fashion show of corporate, business and business casual attire and accessories provided by Annie Sez and the Men’s Wearhouse. The wardrobes will be modeled by six MSU marketing students.

From 1:00 to 4:00 pm students will have the opportunity to attend the Job Fair featuring employers from broadcasting and other industries. Student portfolios and resumes will be reviewed and evaluated by during the last two hours of Job Fair.
Rounding out the day will be the awarding of scholarships and drawings for prizes in various raffles planned for the day.
Directed by Ad Club co-chairs Anna D’Elia of Block Advertising, Rick Bonelli of Sunspots Creative and Sarah Olszewski of Wall Street Journal Online, the 16th annual event encompasses some six months of planning with the members of the MSU Marketing Association and professors Dr. Ralph DiPietro, Dr. Avinandan Murherjee and Carolyn Jones.

Current sponsors include nj.com, New York Times and Media Networks. Career Day sponsorships are still available. Volunteers are also needed for the breakout sessions. For more information, to become sponsor or volunteer for a breakout session, contact Pat Hanley at the Ad Club office — 201.998.5133 or enroll online at www.njadclubcareerday.com.

Event Schedule
8:30 am
Registration/Breakfast by Dunkin’ Donuts

9:00
Welcoming remarks

9:15 -10:00
Breakout Session I

10:15 - 11:15
Keynote Speaker Linda Kaplan Thaler, Kaplan Thaler Group

11:30 - 12:15
Breakout Session II

12:15 - 1:00 pm
Lunch & Fashion Show

1:00 - 4:00
Job Fair

1:15 - 2:00
Guest speaker Valerie Patterson,
Wall Street Journal Online Network

2:00 - 4:00
Portfolio/Resume/Interviews

3:30
Raffles/Scholarship Awards

return to September 2004 AdTalk