How to Break In and Thrive in Advertising with Breaking and Entering Media
Listening to the podcast is just the beginning
How to Break In and Thrive in Advertising with Breaking and Entering Media
Dear Aspiring Advertiser,
Welcome to Breaking and Entering Media, a platform built by and for people like you—advertising professionals ready to break into the industry or make a career switch. Since March 2020, we’ve been creating content designed to help individuals break into creative agencies, client-side roles, and beyond. Now, as of September 2024, we’ve expanded from a podcast into a full-scale media company that connects all aspects of the industry: students with schools, brands with agencies, agencies with clients, and more.
If you’re new to Breaking and Entering, this guide will show you how to best use our resources to navigate your career journey and thrive in the advertising world. Let’s dive in!
1. Listen to the Podcasts and “Nerd Up” on the Industry
Our podcast content is the heart of Breaking and Entering Media. We post all of our segments on a single feed on Apple and Spotify. It’s where everything began and remains a powerful resource for aspiring advertisers to get insider knowledge, industry insights, and practical advice from some of the best professionals in the field. Here’s how you can make the most of our shows:
Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast
This is our flagship show, where we interview advertising professionals from some of the top creative agencies. Whether it’s junior creatives, mid-level managers, or Chief Creative Officers (CCOs), these conversations are packed with real-world advice on breaking into the industry, navigating your career, and thriving in agency life.
Why you should listen:
Agency Insider Knowledge: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how agencies operate, how creative teams collaborate, and what makes top campaigns successful.
Diverse Guests: From juniors who recently broke into the industry to seasoned veterans, you’ll hear stories from people at every career stage.
Networking Opportunities: All guests are hand-picked and often open to networking. After listening to an episode, reach out to the guest on LinkedIn to start building a relationship.
Brand Side Podcast
This show focuses on the marketing side of the industry, featuring professionals who work for major brands. If you’re interested in client-side marketing roles (where agencies often report), this podcast will give you a deep understanding of how in-house teams operate, how they collaborate with agencies, and what skills they look for in hiring.
Why you should listen:
Client Perspective: Learn what brands expect from agencies and understand how the marketing machine runs from within.
Break-in Potential: For those interested in joining large brands rather than agencies, this podcast is your direct line to understanding what it takes to succeed on the client side.
ADjunct Podcast
This show spotlights advertising educators who are also industry veterans. Many of these professors have had successful careers in advertising before transitioning into academia. Their insights are incredibly valuable because they not only have practical industry knowledge, but they also have a passion for mentoring and helping the next generation of advertising professionals.
Why you should listen:
Unique Insights: These educators often have a wealth of experience across different agencies and roles, making their perspectives wide-ranging and insightful.
Access to Academia: If you didn’t go to their university, this podcast can still connect you with professors who can help guide your learning and career path.
Pro Tip: Educators naturally have large networks and a passion for helping students—reach out to them after listening to their episode, and you could find a mentor.
Blueprint Podcast
Want to get on the microphone yourself? Blueprint episodes are shorter, 5-10 minute deep dives led by aspiring advertisers, recent grads, or current students who share their experiences, insights, and advice on a particular topic.
How you can participate:
Create Content: If you’re eager to share your own journey or advice, you can pitch a Blueprint episode to us. We’ll review your submission, and if it meets our standards, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own content and share your story with our audience.
Networking: Participating in Blueprint episodes can help you connect with other listeners and industry professionals, and it’s a great way to build your personal brand.
Breaking with Brian Bonilla
Brian Bonilla is a senior reporter at Ad Age, one of the most respected advertising trade publications. Every month, Brian shares his insights into the agency landscape, breaking down who’s winning business, who’s losing, and what trends are shaping the industry.
Why you should listen:
Agency Landscape Overview: Brian knows the agency world better than anyone and offers a comprehensive snapshot of what’s happening in the business side of advertising.
Stay Informed: If you don’t have an Ad Age subscription, this podcast is a great way to stay updated on the latest trends, major account wins, and industry shifts.
Pressing Podcast
In the Pressing Podcast, we interview journalists from various trade publications, not just Ad Age, to get their perspectives on the advertising industry. This show is a great way to understand how the media covers the ad world and stay informed about broader industry trends, creativity, and even political campaign advertising.
2. How to Network with Industry Leaders via Breaking and Entering
Listening to podcasts is just the first step. To truly benefit from Breaking and Entering, you need to take action. Here’s how:
Engage with Guests: After listening to an episode, connect with the guest on LinkedIn. Mention the episode and highlight what you found interesting about their story or work. This personal touch helps you stand out and shows you’re genuinely interested in building a relationship.
Reach Out to Us: If you leave a five-star review for our podcast on Apple Podcasts and send me a screenshot, I’ll personally try to help you connect with our guests. For high-profile guests, I can reach out with your portfolio link or pass along a note expressing your interest in talking to them. Networking is everything in this industry, and this is one of the best ways to start building your connections.
You can also book a free 20-minute 1:1 coaching call with me here to get personalized advice and help in navigating your career.
Pro Tip: Follow up with thoughtful messages, and whenever possible, arrange for virtual coffee chats or even in-person meetings if you’re in the same city.
3. Join the Unlocked GroupMe Community
If you’re a college student or recent graduate, our GroupMe community is a must-join resource. This announcement-only group is where we share exclusive insights, job opportunities, and internships. With over 400 members, it’s a hub for staying informed about the latest industry news.
What to Expect:
Exclusive Opportunities: Only Ken Bates (our lead researcher and copywriter) and I post in the group so you won’t be bombarded with messages. Instead, you’ll get curated insights, job postings, and networking tips directly from us.
Find a Creative Partner: Use the group to find a copywriter, art director, or strategist to collaborate with on portfolio work. Networking within this community can lead to long-term creative partnerships, helping you stand out when submitting to agencies.
4. Compete in the Crowbar Awards
The Crowbar Awards is one of the best opportunities for aspiring advertisers to showcase their skills and get noticed by top industry leaders. Every three months, we release a new creative brief judged by some of the most respected names in the business, such as Greg Hahn, Gerry Graf, and Shannon Washington. You can compete alone or as part of a team of up to three people, working on a brief to create a campaign.
How It Works:
Submit Your Work: If you choose to submit, there’s a small $50 fee per team (up to three people). The guest judge will review all submissions, and the top four will be selected.
Win Big: The best campaign wins the coveted Blue Crowbar Award, and winners get to appear on the podcast, network with the guest judge, and receive a physical crowbar as a trophy. It’s a fantastic addition to your portfolio and a way to gain recognition.
Network with Industry Leaders: Even if you don’t win, placing in the top four gives you a chance to receive feedback directly from the guest judge. Gold winners get a guaranteed hour-long networking session, while Silver and Bronze winners receive written feedback. Regardless of your placement, we’ll be your accomplices for life, offering guidance and support.
5. Get Recognized with Talent Unmasked
Applications to nominate are opening in mid-October. The winning list will be revealed a few months later, just in time for the hiring season in the spring.
Every October, we launch Talent Unmasked, a recognition program where aspiring advertisers can either nominate themselves or be nominated by industry professionals. We review hundreds of submissions, looking for individuals with the passion, drive, and creativity to make an impact in the industry.
What You Get:
Public Recognition: The top 20 nominees are featured on our platform, and we share their profiles with recruiters.
Career Boost: Being recognized by Talent Unmasked can help you stand out in a crowded job market, giving you visibility and credibility as a rising star in advertising.
Conclusion: Take Action and Build Your Career
Breaking and Entering Media is more than just a podcast—it’s a platform designed to help you break into the industry and thrive. From our podcasts and GroupMe community to the Crowbar Awards and Talent Unmasked, we offer a range of resources to support your journey. But none of it matters unless you take action.
Start by listening to the podcasts that resonate with your career goals, reach out to guests, and make the most of every opportunity to network. Submit your work to the Crowbar Awards or pitch a Blueprint segment if you want to share your story. Don’t forget—you can also book a free 1:1 coaching call with me for personalized advice.
We’re your accomplices on the path to success—so let’s break in together.
Rock on,
Geno Schellenberger
Co-Founder & Host, Breaking and Entering Media
Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn