FCB Info Night with Alumni Aniya Davis and Asia Griffin
Written and Interviewed by Darina Lubenov and Dalila Divanovic
Kara Yoo, Aniya Davis, Asia Griffin, and Caroline Burns at AAF’s FCB info night on Dec. 4 (left to right)
AAF Illinois alumni Aniya Davis and Asia Griffin, current advertising professionals at FCB Chicago, stopped by their alma mater on December 4 to lead an info night for current AAF Illinois students about FCB Chicago’s upcoming summer internship.
It’s all in the name: The EXPLORE program aims to lead rising professionals to explore different roles and aspects within the company. The program is a nine-week immersive program that explores client work, agency classes, social events and a capstone project with real clients.
“FCB really takes the time to really focus on your path and your journey into the advertising industry,” Griffin said. “So that's what I personally believe, that it is just such a great first entry level job, because they really take time to determine what skill you have and just how to grow those skills in the discipline that you want.”
Candidates who express passion and a calling to explore and learn new things are great for the internship, as described by Davis and Griffin. In their words, FCB is interested in passionate, creative and curious people.
For FCB, Davis and Griffin highlighted the impact of a positive team on the company. Recruiters and managers strive to seek and work with rising professionals who can contribute positively to their roles.
When it comes to applying and interviewing, look out for red and green flags, as described by Davis and Griffin. Red flags could range from unpaid positions to rude impressions from companies and recruiters. If the recruiter and company are genuine and offer a position that is a great fit for you, that is a green flag.
Applying, interviewing and accepting a position is a path that is different for all. Davis urged the importance of grounding oneself and remembering that if one has the ambition and drive to learn, one can succeed. The road to learning and growing is different for all.
“Do not compare yourself to other people,” Davis said. “I don't care if they have the exact same bloodline, exact same year, exact same company, exact same role. Your experiences are going to be vastly different from their experiences.”
Davis, 2024 advertising graduate, and Griffin, 2023 advertising graduate, were also a part of AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Students (MPMS) program during their final year at Illinois. Both served in various agencies at AAF Illinois, and in their senior years, they both served as Chief DEI officers.
The MPMS program is an application-based program within AAF. Applicants from all chapters in the nation are invited to apply, and the program focuses on uplifting multicultural students in the advertising field.
“I personally believe that we would not be standing here if it wasn't for networking and just talking to the right people, especially with the MPMS program that we were both in,” Griffin said. “Networking really does do a lot, just really trying to be yourself, because I would not be standing here talking about FCB Chicago if I wasn't networking at all.”
Both Davis, an account manager, and Griffin, an assistant account executive, give credit to the MPMS program for helping them with networking, and in their professional development.
Their biggest piece of advice that was shared to AAF Illinois — stay connected, always reach out and help one another. Be genuine and support your peers. Utilize your time and membership within AAF and grow alongside your peers to become the best professional you can be.
“It is never too late to join anything or do anything,” Davis said. “It's never too late to join AAF, because there's always something to learn. There are always connections to be made. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't be afraid to reach out to literally a single person. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.”
The EXPLORE internship program is intended for graduating seniors and recent college graduates. Applications for the FCB EXPLORE Internship can be found here. Good luck!