Professional Development
& Student Outreach

AAF Sacramento

Our Purpose

Whether you’ve already gotten your feet wet in the industry, or are just starting out, our Professional Development programming is designed to help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Starting here is a great first step to find a mentor, update your portfolio or just mix and mingle.

Who we Serve

Students

We aim to develop educational and networking events for the student population in our region, and consistently expand our outreach endeavors by increasing the size of our student database.

Independent Creatives

We strive to connect with independent creatives (freelancers), elevating their visibility and showcasing their talents. This enhances the existing skill pool in the market and fosters their participation in AAF and the American Advertising Award competitions, ultimately empowering them to shine brightly in the spotlight.

Agencies

Our goal is to establish connections with agencies and industry professionals to both enrich the existing Sacramento advertising community and to foster the growth of the next generation. We achieve this through our professional development programming such as networking mixers, educational sessions, and our flagship event – The Student Agency Tour.

Our Student Outreach Initiatives

Increasing student involvement in the Sacramento creative community

Engage with college classes and clubs to raise awareness about the significance of expanding one’s creative network through AAF. This connection can greatly contribute to securing desirable job opportunities or internships in students’ chosen career fields.

Encouraging and helping students submit to the American Advertising Awards

The American Advertising Awards, often referred to as “The Addys,” hold a similar prestige to the Grammys within the American advertising industry. This nationwide competition follows a three-tier structure, commencing at the local level. It’s important to note that this competition isn’t solely intended for professionals; there is a dedicated category for students as well. This inclusion acknowledges and honors the remarkable creative contributions made by students.

Organizing educational and networking events for professionals and students in the Sacramento area

Developing and coordinating programming like agency tours, workshops, and networking events to facilitate student interaction with creative professionals, thereby augmenting the skillsets essential for their future careers.

Expanding and strengthening the network between students and professionals within the creative community and colleges in Sacramento

Engaging with students, professors, and professionals from various agencies and companies to establish a vibrant and interconnected community. This initiative aims to foster an environment where everyone can collaborate, learn, and depend on each other’s expertise, thereby creating valuable opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration.

National Student Advertising Competition

The National Student Advertising Competition is the premier college advertising competition that provides more than 2,000 college students the real-world experience of creating a strategic advertising/marketing/media campaign for a corporate client.

Our Signature Event

Student Agency Tours

This event serves as an avenue for students and recent graduates to gain insights into agencies and in-house creative departments. It offers a unique chance to engage and connect with industry professionals, allowing attendees to get their job-related answers straight from the source. 

Our objective is to equip students with the knowledge and awareness of the Sacramento advertising community, enabling them to become well-prepared job candidates and accomplished advertising professionals.

Next event date to come soon!