Davis Son
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Year: Senior
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
I actually didn’t get involved until fairly recently, but I received an email about the Multicultural Committee and got interested. At first I wanted to join because I needed a resume filler, but now I wonder why I wasn’t involved earlier. Too many cool people, and so many opportunities to learn about the industry.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I’m in Pro Bono, but I’m more involved in the Multicultural Committee. As the Director of Professional Development for this committee, I organized an agency tour and presentation at Starcom. It was extremely rewarding because it helped to connect our students with media professionals, and gave a glimpse of how a large media agency operates.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
The week of the Mosaic Career Fair, the Starcom tour, and the CAF event was awesome! It was fun to make contacts, attend discussion panels, and just chill out with other AAF members during the week.
What are you future goals for your college career?
I’m graduating, but I might pursue an MBA if my career demands it. That’s down the line though.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I’m in the Cooking Club. I make a killer Chicken Milano!
One interesting fact about your self?
I won a hip-hop dance contest without ever knowing I was a participant.
Future goals for advertising or career?
My short-term goal is to be an account planner. I nailed a planning internship at Draftfcb this summer. It isn’t full-time, but it’s the first step so I’ll take it.
Hannah Weiss
Hometown: Lincolnshire, IL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
Last semester I took ADV 300 and loved it so much that I decided to switch my major from psychology to advertising (although I still love psychology!). I wanted to immerse myself in the advertising world as much as possible, and concluded that AAF was a fantastic start.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I’m in NSAC, and am on the promotions team serving as Director of Branded Entertainment. I am also on the research team. We are currently preparing for regionals in Detroit.
I also am a member of the Digital Communications committee, and help edit this website!
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
Listening to the CEO of Leo Burnett speak at the Mosaic Career Fair in Chicago. It was fascinating and inspiring.
What are you future goals for your college career?
I would love to be on the executive board of AAF. This summer I will be a Strategic Sales Intern at Valassis Communications, so I hope to have a rewarding experience there. Additionally, I hope to network with other students and professionals, and delve into new opportunities.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I’m a server at Flat Top Grill on Green street and work several days a week. I’m also the marketing and public relations intern at International Programs and Studies. I used to be president of The Club That Must Not Be Named (Harry Potter Club), but didn’t have time to host wild Quidditch tournaments this semester.
One interesting fact about your self?
My senior year of high school I was captain of my school’s Psychology Quiz Bowl team, and we won 1st place against 15 other schools.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I want to combine my love for both advertising and psychology and become an expert on consumer behavior analysis. Brand management also sounds exciting. I'm sure that I will discover new passions throughout my college career.
Andrew Cardona
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
I saw the booth at Quad Day and talked with some of the people there. I knew I was interested in becoming an Advertising major, so I figured joining an Advertising organization would help develop my interests.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
I am currently on the Professional Development and Digital Communication committees. I was going to be a part of the research and presentation for the New York City Nights presentation coming soon. However, I broke my jaw last week so talking has been a little rough and had to unfortunately decline the opportunity. I still am looking forward to helping with the Adbuzz for Pro D and updating more information for the new website for Digital Communications.
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
My favorite memory at AAF would have to be the first general meeting I went to at the beginning of the fall semester. I didn’t know what to expect going into the meeting but came out of it being excited to join the organization. The people running the meeting seemed very personable.
What are you future goals for your college career?
My goals involve keeping my grades up and looking for internships in the Advertising field. Another goal would be to keep networking with new people. I hope to continue my success on the hockey team here and coaching for the youth hockey programs in Champaign.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
Along with AAF, I am part of the Illini Hockey Team here. The team is one of the greatest experiences of my life.
One interesting fact about your self?
I just recently broke my jaw after taking a slap shot to the face.
Future goals for advertising or career?
Getting an internship in the production side of advertising with a company in downtown Chicago or Los Angeles.
Jane Schumann
Hometown: La Grange, IL
Year: Sophomore
Major: Advertising
How did you become involved in the AAF at Illinois?
A friend recruited and persuaded me to be an Advertising major by taking me to an AAF meeting and then I joined the next semester.
What committees are you currently on for AAF, and what have you done for them?
Digital Communications and Community Outreach
What is your favorite memory thus far in the AAF at Illinois?
One of my favorite memories of AAF was last semester at the fundraiser at Joe’s when I spent the entire night talking to students who went on the Rome study abroad trip the year before because I am going on it this summer starting in May.
What are you future goals for your college career?
Some future goals are to study abroad in Ireland or New Zealand, graduate with a degree in Advertising and a minor in French, and I always have the goal of doing well, but having fun at the same time.
What other organizations are you involved with on campus?
I am involved in my sorority, Greek Community Service, I have been a writer for the Illio, and I really want to get involved further with Alternative Spring Break.
One interesting fact about yourself?
Fun Fact: i got my name from my mom's favorite novel and mine, as well, To Kill A Mockingbird. Jane Louise is my name, Jean Louise is Scout's real name.
Future goals for advertising or career?
I think that going to Rome this summer will be an amazing experience as well as an opportunity for me to really see what advertising is like globally because I would like to go into some sort of global career. I am also looking into working for radio or television, starting this summer with The ManCow Radio Show.