Account Planning- not for me!

Blame it on my terrible math skills, but the idea of working with numbers makes me cringe. Therefore I don't think account planning would be the way to go! I think there are many great attributes that make up an account planner, but not the right attributes that fit my personality. The books discusses that planners need to be willing to fight for an idea and maybe say things people don't want to hear. I hate confrontation so if someone were to challenge me with an idea, I may not stand up for myself like I should. I would not enjoy analyzing data, conducting surveys, or finding patterns in the data. All the research would seem too scientific to me. I would probably have trouble seeing what makes the data unique. Account planners also have to be responsible for knowing everything about their client and the client's business. That involves memorizing a great deal of statistics which is something else that is not my strong point. They also have to have a tremendous amount of curiosity. I am curious about some things, but I do not have a love for finding out absolutely everything.

What I would like to do

I would really love to be on the creative side of advertising working as a writer. The idea of always thinking on my toes and coming up with new, innovative ideas is appealing to me. Sure there's a great deal of pressure, but that's what makes it exciting! I cannot really see myself doing the same routine everyday working 9-5... I hate routines. I've also always enjoyed languages and words and English class has always been my favorite. I will quote anything and everything from commercials, movies, etc...I feel this job is also a good fit because it is very hands-on. Many times the writers will be involved in casting calls and shoots along with the art directors. I think the most interesting thing about this job is the amount of freedom. No one is making you lock yourself up in a cubicle by yourself. I really like the fact that you are surrounded by people at all times. You are part of a pair with the art director and you still get to work with account people, producers, buyers, etc... Creatives also need to be able to listen to others' opinions and thoughts and not be single-minded. I love hearing what other people have to say and what other people are thinking because it helps me improve on my own ideas. Guess we will have to wait and see...

Building the resume...

Resumes can either break you or make you and I discovered just exactly how vital they are after reading about them in the Idea Industry book. Although I had written a resume before entering college, I most certainly did not remember all of the correct guidelines for crafting an excellent resume. It also made me realize that I really have not accomplished as much as I would have liked. I should have more job/intern experience. I enjoyed the way Brad Karsh wrote this section because he was straightforward and honest about the way that Recruiting Directors will be judging your resume. These people have no time to waste which means that myresume needs to have some outstanding quality that separates me from everyone else. At this point, my resume needs some serious work!

Allison Spedale

Education

Southern Methodist University- Dallas, May 2011
Advertising Major, Spanish Minor
Major GPA:____ Overall GPA: 3.61

Experience

Intern, The Fields Group, Summer 2008
-Created and monitored traffic for ad spots
-Assisted in TV commercial shoots for the ad agency
-Organized buys for multiple companies

Activities/Interests

-SMU Catholic Campus Ministry, 2007-present
-Habitat for Humanity, volunteer, 2008
-Relay for Life, volunteer, 2008
-Catholic High School Dance team, member, 2004-2007
-Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, member, 2008
-Key Club, member, 2004-2007
-Interests include dancing, traveling, running, and cooking