More than sixty of the industry’s brightest up-and-comers met for the annual Next Gen Dinner Series in Toronto earlier this week, but the soiree was more than just a meal. It was a coveted opportunity to rub shoulders with influential marketing professionals on the lookout for new talent. Not only did those young guests have to apply for a seat, they had to interview and attend a training session with Three Training.
At the event, hosted by Ad Lounge, big wigs from all parts of the industry shared words of advice with the next generation. We’ve collected some of the most memorable thoughts.
“Go for it”
Julie Petch, vice-president and managing director of Traffikgroup, said that it’s a great time for young people to be entering the marketing world because of how rapidly conventions are changing. It’s a rewarding time to be innovative, and everyone is learning as they go – even industry veterans.
“There are no rules anymore,” she said. “Everything is changing so quickly that you don’t have to follow the same path, and it doesn’t have to take you twenty years to get some place.”
“Be interested”
Chris Page, group creative director at JWT, said what he notices about emerging marketing professionals is not just their craft and ambition.
“The things that really make the next generation stand out are the little differences and the things they do outside of their textbooks,” he said, “their hobbies and their passions. Those are the things that really tell you what kind of person they’re going to be down the road.”
Get experience outside of school
Robin Heisey, chief creative officer of DraftFCB, said that while academic programs are more comprehensive and specific than they were decades ago, the best education comes from practical work experience.
“There’s nothing like on-the-job experience, working with a mentor and working in an environment with real business imperatives,” he said.
Cut through the clutter
Cameron Wykes, president of BabyRobot and chief invention officer at KBS+ Toronto, said it’s crucial to be innovative when there’s so much content out there to compete with.
“We must invent,” he said. “This is not only how we will survive, but how we will lead.”
“Learning: You’re never done”
Spencer Saunders, chief executive officer of Art & Science, emphasized that learning is a continually evolving process.
“Those who are constantly learning, who have an insatiable curiosity for knowledge, and who can identify and validate these nascent opportunities are those that will excel in our business in the years to come,” he said.
Marketing also spoke with a number of attendees on camera about why the industry needs this kind of event.
