Journal 31 - Job Shadowing

When I was first informed that I was going to shadow Wally Hamlin, the CEO of HPR Marketing Agency, I was unenthusiastic. I had signed up to be an editor or graphic designer, so I was confused on how a marketing agency would transfer into what I wanted to do. After talking to Wally on the phone, I was told I would be talking to a graphic designer at the agency. 

My job didn't start until 1:00 on Wednesday, so I was able to sleep in and run a few errands before hand. When I arrived at HPR Marketing, I was taken back by how casual everyone was dressed. I was wearing a black pencil skirt and silk top, the outfit I had pictured a marketing director to be wearing, and, to my surprise, the workers at HPR were wearing denim. Three other girls from PPHS were also job shadowing for Wally, so the four of us met up in the conference room of the business. Wally was welcoming us as we entered with the kind of energy one would expect a person named Wally to have. It only took me a quick glance to see it was going to be a fun day. The first words out of Wally Hamlin's mouth were: "I didn't know what I wanted to be when I went to college. I just knew I wanted to be rich, and now I am." He introduced us to his VP, a petite young lady, and they went over the schedule that they had planned for the day and answered any quick  questions we had. We then went around the office and were introduced to the seven business employees--three marketing account managers, three graphic designers, and the new guy on the job that had to deal with all of the paperwork. Because I focused more on graphic design, Wally had me talk to the three young graphic designers. They showed me some of the logos and advertisements they had created, and were open to all of the questions I had. I was able to relate and understand their projects because I have used similar programs in my Photography and Computer Design classes. We also got to visit with the Account Managers at HPR Marketing. I had never really understood what marketing was exactly, so it was a nice opportunity for me to get a better understanding of the job. At the of the day, we met back up with Wally, and he gave us some final advice. He informed us how we should go about applying for jobs and encouraged us to follow up and how important it is to employers. He was a truly smart man, and I could how much work he put into creating such a successful business.

Modernism Video

Discussing the Modernism piece "When the Negro was in Vogue" by Langston Hughes