51吃瓜

Get to know some of our College 51吃瓜 students! Thomas Sanders is a Class of 2025 advertising major.

What inspired you to pursue advertising, and how has your perspective evolved over time?
Initially, I applied as a marketing major because I didn鈥檛 fully understand the difference between marketing and advertising. Over time, I realized marketing is more analytically focused whereas advertising leans into creativity, campaign design, and message execution which is more aligned with my interests. I enjoy how advertising is hands-on and includes developing ideas, visuals, and storytelling.

Can you talk about courses or experiences that deepened your interest in the field?
One of the most impactful courses I took was ADV 175: Diversity in Advertising taught by Dr. Jason P. Chambers, whose research focuses on the history of advertising. The course emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and gave me a mission to reflect on in my work moving forward. Using his perspective as a Black professor, one of the topics studied is racism in advertising鈥攆rom early print ads with harmful caricatures to modern-day underrepresentation.

Have you applied that inclusive perspective in your campus involvement?
Yes. During my time in the Fashion Network RSO, I served in a leadership position where I actively increased representation within the organization. Previously, it mostly featured white and Asian models, but under my leadership, we featured more Black and brown creatives鈥攎odels, photographers, and stylists. I wanted to make sure everyone felt seen. That work earned me the 2023 .

What other organizations or projects have helped shape your journey?
I鈥檓 currently a part of , a marketing club, and I previously worked with Creative Roll V, a video editing agency where we created ads for local businesses. I鈥檝e also modeled for the , which merges fashion and sustainability through marketing and event planning. Earlier in my college career, I was involved in the , which gave me a broader understanding of the industry through hands-on projects.

You studied abroad in Amsterdam鈥攈ow did that experience impact you personally and professionally?
It was life-changing. I lived in Amsterdam for six months and worked two jobs: one at a Turkish caf茅, and another as an intern at a PR agency. I actually landed the internship after approaching a guest lecturer in class and asking for an opportunity. That led me to working closely with the CEO, which gave me confidence in the value of my ideas. Personally, the experience helped me become more independent, and professionally, it gave me a global insight into media, branding, and culture.

What advertising-related lessons did you take away from that international experience?
Amsterdam taught me the importance of cross-cultural communication. In class, we had to develop campaigns for international audiences鈥攎ine was for Germany. I learned that you can鈥檛 apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Also, European print ads often rely more on visual storytelling than text, which I found inspiring. I saw more inclusivity in Dutch ads which featured queer people, drag queens, and people of color in ways that feel more inclusive than in the U.S.

Where do you hope your career takes you, and do you have any dream clients?
My dream is to work with Sonos, the speaker brand. I鈥檝e loved their products for years, and they work with so many innovative artists. Being able to merge my love for music, branding, and culture with a company like that would be incredible.

What advice would you give to students just starting in the College 51吃瓜?
Put yourself out there. Try new things every semester鈥攚hether it鈥檚 clubs, creative projects, or networking events. Some of my best friends are from completely different majors like engineering, but we connected through student organizations. Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions or introduce yourself. The worst someone can say is no, and most of the time, they鈥檒l say yes.

鈥擨nterview by Isis Potter, New Voices Intern