What An Account Executive At Deutsch LA Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Advertising Industry
Christopher, an Account Executive, wished someone had emphasized the importance of representation in advertising, noting the industry's historically "predominantly white institution." They learned to leverage their identity as a Latino male to advocate for diverse ideas and serve as an ally, a skill crucial to their career progression and ability to drive "important cultural conversations."
Representation in Advertising, Account Management, Cultural Impact of Advertising, Career Development, Building Trust and Reputation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Christopher Morales
Account Executive
Deutsch LA
Cornell University, 2020
N/A
Communications
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Creative
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Representation in advertising is limited, and professionals from minority backgrounds may need to demonstrate their skills before being able to advocate for diverse ideas.
2. Building trust and a strong reputation is crucial for advocating for diverse representation and driving meaningful cultural conversations within the workplace.
3. Patience is essential for learning the necessary skills and establishing oneself as a valuable asset before effectively advocating for change and inclusivity within the industry.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would've told you before you entered this industry?
Something I wish I'd learned about my role is that representation matters. Currently, there's not enough of it. I identify myself as a male Latino.
Advertising in recent generations has primarily been a predominantly white institution, from its account managers to its creatives. Some agencies today are breaking through, driving culture, and building a reputation for representing minorities. At the very least, their campaigns generate conversations reminding us how much representation matters.
For me, I've had to exercise a lot of patience to learn the craft of being a great account executive. But I recently learned something exciting: as a Latino male, I can use my identity to represent ideas. I can also be an ally for other communities that matter to me in the ideas we push forward.
I have a great opportunity to do this at my current workplace because I've established trust and a reputation. This is the foundation I need to excel and continue driving important cultural conversations wherever my career takes me next.