What made you choose to major in advertising at the University of Illinois?
My decision to attend Illinois was deeply influenced by my dad, an alumnus I鈥檝e always admired. Hearing his stories about his time on this beautiful campus made Illinois feel like a special place to me. As I explored my college options, I knew I wanted a major that balanced creativity with stability, which led me to the advertising program at Illinois. Studying in the College 51吃瓜 has shown me that I chose the right path. The program has helped me build practical skills through hands-on projects, and using professional resources and equipment has made me feel more prepared and confident in pursuing advertising.
What are your career goals?
I recently accepted an internship with Cars Commerce, where I鈥檒l be focusing on B2B SEO (search engine optimization). While I鈥檓 excited to grow professionally in this role, my broader goal for this opportunity is to contribute to community engagement within the company. I鈥檓 especially interested in participating in the company鈥檚 employee resource groups, which bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, raise awareness, and build an inclusive community. I look forward to contributing to these efforts and helping build a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Are you involved in any RSOs? 聽
I serve on the executive board of the as the chief community engagement officer, where I help find volunteer opportunities for our members. With over 500 members and several specialized agencies, AAF Illinois offers many ways to engage both professionally and creatively.
Are there any classes you would recommend to advertising students?
I highly recommend Jonathan Knipp’s horror movie class (MACS 282), which explores themes and social issues portrayed in horror films. One of the most valuable lessons was realizing that audiences actively engage with media, rather than simply watching it passively. This insight applies directly to advertising, because viewers do pay attention to and think about the messages presented in commercials. Therefore, it is important to create advertisements that respect the audience and communicate meaningful messages clearly. Media courses like these are also useful for developing creativity and sharpening critical thinking skills, both of which are essential for producing effective advertising content.
Do you have any advice for future College 51吃瓜 students?
Get involved and pursue things you’re passionate about. If you love animals, volunteer at an animal shelter or support organizations like 4 Paws for Ability. The key is discovering something meaningful to you and fully committing to it. Don’t limit yourself to one opportunity and try everything out. I tried many agencies before settling into two that truly resonated with me. Definitely consider joining AAF because you won’t find a supportive family like that anywhere else in advertising.
鈥擨nterview by Vivian Wong, New Voices Intern
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