ETSU is offering students an opportunity to participate in the National Student Advertising Competition. The NSAC is a premier collegiate advertising competition in the country that gives students the chance to act as a full-service agency, developing a real, research-based campaign for an actual national client.
“Each year, a major brand partners with the American Advertising Federation to present a marketing challenge that participating teams work to solve creatively and strategically,” said Holden Gaylor from the Department of Media and Communication.
Teams spend the semester working as an integrated agency, researching the target audience, developing a strategy, designing creative concepts, producing content and building a full media plan. It all culminates in a 20-minute pitch to the brand and a panel of industry professionals. Essentially, students go through every stage of the advertising process, from briefing to execution to client presentation.
NSAC is as close to real-world agency experience as it gets. Students collaborate to work on strategy, creative assets, production and media planning to deliver a professional-level campaign. They learn to think like marketers, work under deadlines, present ideas persuasively and get direct feedback from industry experts.
“It’s a resume-level experience that builds teamwork, leadership and portfolio-quality work,” Gaylor said.
The NSAC is seeking a diverse mix of students who are passionate about creativity, strategy, storytelling or media. While majors like media and communication, marketing and digital media are a natural fit, NSAC thrives on diverse skill sets. Designers, copywriters, videographers, researchers and business strategists are needed — anyone who enjoys collaborating and solving problems creatively.
Applications will close the week before classes begin, as this opportunity is part of a course that students must enroll in. The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.
Interested students should email Gaylor at gaylorh@etsu.edu to apply. Include a short note about your interests, what area you would like to focus on and a sample of your work or previous projects.
“If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to work on a national advertising campaign, this is your chance,” said Gaylor. “You’ll build a real campaign for a major brand, collaborate with talented peers, and walk away with portfolio-quality work that stands out to employers.”
