The Road to Next Gen Dinner Series

The process of becoming a Next Gen Finalist and what the event became!

#nextgendinnerseries #virtualnetworking #networking #adlounge #boostagents

In January I received an email from my program coordinator about the Next Gen Dinner Series, how it is a great networking event, and that I should apply. I'm so happy I did.

The Next Generation Dinner Series is a dinner event run by Ad Lounge and Boost Agents that helps media students get their foot in the door by having the opportunity to meet with the industry's best companies and leaders.

I got an email to come in for an interview, and before I knew it, I got the email saying I was a finalist! From hundreds of applicants to 72 finalists! I felt amazing and proud just to get in! I would be sitting at a table with leaders from MediaCom!

During March, we finalists went to Second City for an improv workshop to help us break out of our shells and get comfortable with networking with strangers. It was so much fun, I felt like a kid at camp.

We did the workshop in front of the stage, in a big open space. Since this happened pre-COVID, we had space, and didn't shake hands.

We participated in several activities such as popcorn (counting to 20 without saying the same number). We built a human machine with noises and chaos, to help us gain insight to how we handle projects, are we excited to jump in? Or do we wait to see how the group functions, then add our part?

Lastly we had conversations with a new partner, we had to start the next sentence with the last word they said. This allowed us to understand how we actively listen.

We spent the last 45 minutes networking with each other.. So many of us were going through the same emotions of being excited and nervous to be here and eventually enter the media industry.

Then COVID hit and hit hard! I began to wonder what would happen to the dinner event, since at this point we had selected our dinner from the menu. I thought maybe it would be cancelled. No fear though, we received an email saying that the event will be completely online.

How on earth can a networking dinner event be online? Networking happens organically and its casual (in my experience). What- we're going to have a Zoom call with 100 people? Well, thanks to the event committee; Trina Boos, Amanda Magnanelli, Samantha Moody, Gillian Wu, Marah Angara, and partners at Creative Twist, Kimberly Beaune, we were successfully able to network through our computer screens.

We did a training session a few weeks ago so we finalists would be familiar with the set up. I got to say, it looked really cool (below)! I was excited just to see those familiar faces, chat with other finalists and how they've been dealing with quarantine. After that session, I was thrilled for the event! (Getting a UberEats gift card was a nice bonus).

June 18th, the day is here! The event is tonight!

We all log in and start bopping around, double-clicking on tables and seeing who's there to chat with. Making sure our lighting is good and we sound clear. We were all good to go!

Before the table talks, we got to hear from the sponsors. Here is a highlight of their advice, wise words, and how to handle work during this new at home era. (Not direct quotes, paraphrasing).

• Change is good, don't scared of it! -Armstrong

• Learn to upskill and invest in you! -Edelman

• Be resourceful, always be curious and never settle for mediocrity! -Havas Media

• Don't pigeon hole yourself- grow grow GROW! -Hill and Knowlton

• Best solutions come from experience! -MediaCom

• Make connections, be different and find a mentor! -Moneris

• Work, be patient, be persistent! -No Fixed Address

• Passion, energy, and belief that anything can be done! -Publicis

I had the pleasure of sitting with a friend and classmate, Nishi, I also sat with Cristal, Maggie, and Urania Agas, the chief client officer from MediaCom. We chatted for about an hour, then we had a break, came back and got to talk to the CEO, Kevin Johnson. They have both been at MediaCom for a long time, and gave us meaningful insights into how our prior jobs/school will help us as workers. MediaCom's main belief is "People First, Better Results". Even though we only chatted for a hour or so, its clear they not only believe in it, but it is how they act as well. Both are caring and honest.

Shoutout Marcelo for representing the finalists and thanking the sponsors on our behalf!!

After our formal table talks, and final words, we got to network all around the interface. Although we didn't get to all dress up, meet in person, or share a meal together, it was a lovely evening.

From start to finish, it was a real honor to have been part of such a welcoming experience. I feel so lucky to have met and speak with industry leaders and hear their advice. I'm also thankful to have been introduced to the finalists, who I have made some connections with. I have a strong inclining that some of us will work together one day. I hope so. We've been told that this industry is big, but its also small and I'm delighted to be part of the next generation!