Build Taste Before You Build Your Portfolio

Article 2 of 35 in The Vault series, a week-by-week guide following the college year for aspiring advertising professionals.

The Vault is a weekly series designed for aspiring advertising professionals who want a clear, step-by-step path into the industry. Each Monday, we share actionable guidance and checkpoints that align with the college school year. These posts help you build skills, make connections, and position yourself for internships and full-time roles. Whether you are on campus or recently graduated, these posts keep you moving forward with purpose.

Last week we covered How to Pick Your Role in Advertising. Today’s post is the next step in that journey: Build Taste Before You Build Your Portfolio, scheduled for August 18, just before the school year starts.

Anyone trying to get a job in advertising needs to build their own taste and perspective. This process never stops.

Think back to when you first realized you wanted to work in advertising, or even just the fact that you are reading this now. Someone once told you that you are creative. That includes aspiring account executives, producers, strategists, and others. You solve problems in your own way. You organize budgets, timelines, and workflows. You manage people and processes. That is creativity.

You already have your own voice, perspective, taste, and interests. Do not lose those as you work to break into advertising.

Today is August 18, a turning point as many return to campus. Whether you study advertising or another field, and whether you aim for a full‑time role or internship, remember this: great books, great portfolios, and great résumés begin with great taste.