Sneak Peek Into the AAF Executive Board

This Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., all aspiring executive members of AAF will congregate in Gregory Hall 223 to discover the next steps in making their dream a reality. Joining the executive board can seem like a daunting task with many responsibilities, so I spoke with two senior members of the executive board––Catherine Arreazola, AdLab Director, and Lincoln Rogers, Chief Digital Officer––about their experiences.

“Being a part of AAF executive board comes with more responsibilities than being a general member does,” Arreazola began, “but also more freedom, opportunities for leadership, industry immersion, and practice for management or account executive positions.”

Rogers agreed about the increase of responsibilities, but also spoke of all the benefits that come with the position.

“We do free headshots for [executive] every year, there are social events for [executive] to get to know each other, and mostly you get the opportunity to take a leadership role which is really rewarding,” he said.

Being a general member of AAF is a building block for developing skills in teamwork and general agency organization. The executive board allows you to apply those skills to tasks and goals you choose to complete. 

“I have so much autonomy in what I do,” Arreazola commented, “and I truly feel more confident and ready for the industry as a result of my position.”

The executive board is a good way for members to develop their leadership skills, gain more work experience, or just add another impressive section to their resume. It can be beneficial for character and professional development. Arreazola, for example, chose to be on the executive board out of her love for teaching and leadership, as well as her existing organizational, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. 

“Helping others and making a difference always drives me, so I applied with the hope of doing just that, and I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish as the AdLab Director!” Arreazola added.

The executive board is open for all members of AAF to apply to regardless of major or grade. Value is placed on diversity in background, aspirations, and experience because it is only through heterogeneity that are we able to grow and become better.

Even if you are tentative about being on the board, Arreazola recommends applying regardless for the application process practice and interview experience. 

“The application is not bad at all,” Rogers informs. “The CEO and President do a lot of work to make sure that the right people are interviewing for the right roles, and the interview process is painless.”

For those who will be applying, be yourself! Let the board see what kind of leader they will be working with if accepted. Polish your resume to reflect your sincerity and drive for being on the board and gather examples of your work. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the person who currently holds the position you are applying for, too. 

“Here is my advice: Develop a strong, clean, and accurate resume. We want to see the best of you, and a 1-page, clean document can do that,” Arreazola advised. “Talk about your strengths and explain what you have done in the past that has led you to apply– we want to hear about your passion!”

Rogers believes that all AAF members should try to be on the executive board at some point in their time at the university. Holding an executive position forces you to develop your skills and become better at making decisions. 

“In terms of professional development, seeing behind the curtain of how a big organization like this operates is a really good experience for the real world,” Rogers continued, “and it shows that you can take the initiative to hold a leadership position.”