How Volunteering with the KC Ad Club Helps Me Build Corporate-Ready Skills in a Competitive Market.
Board Member Contributor, Cecily Ramos
In an oversaturated design market, I realized that despite internships and real world experience my design portfolio still lacked enough professional work to stand out. Alongside that, as a fresh graduate recently moved to KC, I was competing with job seekers native to Kansas City. In my job seeking journey, it became apparent that word of mouth and referrals played a huge part in landing these opportunities. It became apparent to me that not only would I have to build a stronger portfolio, but I would need to build a strong network within a city that was new to me.
But how would I do that?
It came when I had attended one of the KC Ad Club networking events, much like other young people I had slid in alone, intimidated by the amount of working professionals grouped together around me. Over chips and salsa and beers on ice, marketing professionals from many different backgrounds spoke in groups, talking shop and catching up. I, like many newbies, bounced from the outskirts from group to group, hoping to hear a lead or say something witty enough to make someone laugh and remember me. (A tactic, although I find it cheap, I have found much success with.)
One of the attendees, the only one I recognized, spoke to me aside and told me of an upcoming service project that would soon be starting, and that he thought I would be great to join. I accepted it immediately, and soon I was on a virtual call with about 20-30 volunteers, all professionals in their field.
The nonprofit chosen was Kanbe’s Markets, on a mission to build a more inclusive food system and reduce produce waste. They had tasked us to help build a better brand guideline, a social media campaign, and a better in-store experience with a brand new design.The goal was to make potential customers aware of Kanbe’s affordable produce, as it was uniquely located in corner stores and gas stations throughout Kansas City.
I, at first, was tasked with contributing to the social media posts, but as the project wore on I hopped on to throw my hat in the ring and design a fridge wrap as well.
Here are my key takeaways:
Volunteering allowed me to work on a team of experts. Despite being composed of volunteers, each individual brought in their unique role to their work. I was able to glean insights from copywriters, analysts, marketers and fellow designers, as well as have a realistic experience of how meetings were run with team leaders, and communication via email and other virtual channels. This experience is greatly different from a student environment.
Working on the service project also allowed me to show others on the team my skill set, and my competence in contributing in team meetings. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and despite working hard the whole time just to meet expectations, I actually was doing quite well, and with the hours spent contributing and learning from other team members, that inadvertently also resulted in many hours of showing real work to others.
Volunteering also made me more well known within the KC Ad Club, which, in the long run, helped me speak easier with my peers, and be known as a Graphic Designer. When you’re looking for a job, sometimes you forget your core skill set. People remembered me and my work, and I was able to get real constructive feedback on my work, as well as learn the dynamics of not only roles, but personalities in a team.
My fourth takeaway was that it gave me a real experience of short deadlines and adapting to challenges. Expectations changed when it became apparent the project would extend past its original timeline. The creative direction also took some turns. This experience is hard to get from academia, but learning to be flexible is vital to be career ready.
All in all, I found that being a part of the volunteer project not only helped me grow my network and get professional work in my portfolio, but helped me gain confidence as a young designer in my capabilities as a designer.
About KC Ad Club’s Public Service Program
Whether your organization is seeking to raise awareness, attract donors, or expand its reach, our team is committed to tailoring strategies that resonate with your target audience and drive impactful results. By partnering with us, you'll not only receive top-tier marketing support but also forge lasting connections within the advertising community. Together, let's transform your vision into reality and create a brighter future for the Kansas City community. Nominate your nonprofit, today!
Advance Your Career & Volunteer With Us
Like an ad, you get out of it what you put into it. While there's a small time commitment and some work involved, it's the best way to meet people and advance your career. Your level of involvement is up to you—whether you take on a board position, volunteer at an event, lend a hand to our public service team, or contribute in other ways. After all, it's your club.
