Calling All Students and Ad Hopefuls!
If you’re an aspiring marketer, strategist, copywriter, art director, or ever said, “IDK, I just wanna work in marketing,” we’re talking to you. Want some legit, real-world experience you can add to your resume or portfolio? Ready to meet and compete against other like-minded young professionals?
Welcome to The Ad-Mazing Race, a 10-day, hybrid competition where you’ll work as a team in a mock-agency setting. Under the guidance of Colorado-based ad professionals, you’ll work on assignments that match your skills and interests and present to a panel of judges on the final day.
All you need to participate are two things: an internet connection and a hunger to grow.
What will you get out of it? In three words:
Real. World. Experience.
WHY SHould you participate?
Build Your Resume & Portfolio
Add that extra section to your resume or a new project to your portfolio by solving a real client’s very real problem.
Grow Your Network
Dip your toe into the networking pool by meeting and working under seasoned Colorado-based ad pros.
Peek Behind the Curtain
Not sure what to expect from a full-time gig in advertising? Consider this your sneak peek into the industry.
Win Some Prizes
Bragging rights are nice and all, but we’re giving out something you can actually use to the top three teams.
Get the Deets:
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- Who: Anyone in Colorado (or planning to move here) who’s studying for, or transitioning to, a career in marketing/advertising
- When: Friday, July 8 – Sunday, July 17
- Where: In-person location TDB
How Much: $20/person deposit to secure your spot.
Upon finishing the competition, you can get a free 1-year Ad Club CO NEXT membership ($45 value) or get your $20 back.
WHY Ad Club CO NEXT?
It’s no secret that the stretch of life between ages 20-32 can be tough for the average ad industry hopeful. The cushy bean bag chairs and communal ping pong tables are great, but this industry doesn’t always give young people the professional TLC they need.
Enter Ad 2. We represent the future of advertising through our ability to unite young, talented professionals. Together, Ad Club CO Next creates a means for up-and-coming professionals in the industry to gain the skills, contacts, and leadership opportunities they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.
We love helping each other succeed. Whether it be a local connection that will vouch for you at your next job interview, your next boss, or someone in the network you can visit on a moment’s whim, a membership with Ad Club CO NEXT is much more than an amorphous echo into the industry, it is the industry.
Members of Ad Club CO NEXT Get:
- Additional Ad Club Colorado membership
- Eligibility to serve your community (and build your resume/portfolio) through our annual Public Service project
- Admission to Ad Club members-only Food for Thought events (9/year): $200 value
- Discounted admission to all speaking events (1-2/year): $25 member rate ($45 non-member rate)
- Discounted entry fees for The Fifty awards show: $125/entry member rate ($250/entry non-member rate)
- Discounted admission to The Fifty, including a copy of The Fifty Awards Annual: $55 member rate ($90 non-member rate)
- Discounted tickets to Colorado Ad Day: $75 member rate ($90 non-member rate)
- *Free* admission to freelancer networking events (freelancers only, 2/year): $25/event value
- Access to Kegs with Legs networking events (16-18/year)
- Access to Boulder’s Caffeinated Mornings events (12/year)
- Access to Denver’s Creative Mornings events (12/year)
FAQs
What career paths is The Ad-Mazing Race built for?
Account Services, Marketing Strategy, Copywriting, Art Direction/Graphic Design, Media Planning, Content Management, Digital Marketing, and anyone who still doesn’t know what they want to do (as long as it’s in marketing/advertising).
What does my major/degree need to be in order to apply?
We don’t give a heck. Marketing, Advertising, Business, and Journalism are common fields, but as long as your goal is to work in marketing/advertising, we’d love to see your application.
How does the application process work?
It’s quick and painless. Just click here, give us a few details about you, and answer a few questions, nothing too scary or time-consuming. We’ll review applications by looking at talent and desire to learn (and honestly, we care a LOT more about the latter). We’ll review applications as they come in and send acceptances on a weekly basis. The earlier you apply, the greater your chances.
What kind of assignments will I be able to work on?
We’re still working out the specifics, but we’ll provide a list of deliverables that your team can choose from based on your skills and interests.
Can I sign up as a team?
To help you meet as many soon-to-be ad folks as possible, we’re only doing individual sign ups. That way, when we create teams, you can meet creative and strategic minds from all around Colorado (and even outside of it).
How does a virtual competition work?
We’ll use video calls for group presentations and create breakout sessions so your team can work together. Mentors will hop into the breakout sessions from time-to-time to check on progress and will be available for questions during open working time. We also recommend using Google Docs so everyone on your team can collaborate in real time (working off of old versions is the worst).
I don’t live or go to school in Colorado. Can I still join?
As long as you have a desire to live a mile high, we welcome anyone who’s ready to fill their brain with marketing and advertising knowledge.
Can you provide financial assistance?
Yes, just email us at Education@Ad2Colorado.com. Our goal is to make sure money isn’t an obstacle, so we can work with you and your individual situation.
Can I be put on a team with my friend?
You can request it in your application. We’ll be creating teams based on everyone’s experience and skill sets to make sure they’re balanced. But we’ll take requests into consideration as we’re making them.
What the heck is Ad Club CO NEXT?
A group of crazy (and awesome) ad people aged 32 and under dedicated to helping young Colorado ad professionals grow and kick some major ass (see above).