• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, February 7, 2017

The University of Florida's The Agency -- part ad school, part Millennial-focused ad agency -- sent 19 of its students to New York for three days last week to visit 15 ad agencies. The goal was to expose the students to the inner workings of real world advertising agencies and to connect these students with the human resources folks in each of the 15 agencies. 

The agencies visit included BBDO, Grey, Droga5 and Publicis Health. Also visited were PR firms including Weber Shandwick, Edelman, MLSGROUP and Prosek Partners. 

Of the effort, The Agency's Executive Director Andy Hopson said: “This trip was part of The 100 Project, an initiative to place 100 percent of The Agency's amazing graduates in equally amazing jobs. It also broadened awareness among agency leaders of our innovative approach to marketing to millennials." 

The Agency is led by industry professionals, faculty advisors and 100 students all of whom work toward developing marketing strategies to reach Millennials. 

Of the trip, The Agency Team Member Victoria Najmy said: “This trip was a life-changing experience. We were able to see the inner workings of large and small agencies and learn from industry professionals about the opportunities available when we graduate.”