Assistant professor Michael Hanus took part in the Advertising Educational Foundation Visiting Professor Program (VPP), which pairs professors with industry leaders in advertising and allows them to visit host companies for a week. The professors are able to gain industry insights to use in their courses.
Hanus shadowed at Ogilvy & Mather in Chicago and saw work for a variety of clients including Corona, SC Johnson, Huggies and Intel. He was able to meet with professionals throughout the agency and sat in on pitch meetings, creative briefs and client presentation rehearsals.
“The biggest thing I learned was how much all the different teams work together at all stages of the process,” Hanus said. “Next semester I'm going to try cross listing some assignments between courses, so the strategy course students have to present something to the students in my writing course, and get them to design a new ad.”
The VPP had over 500 professor participants working with agencies in New York, Chicago and other major cities. Through the program, professors are able to improve their teaching techniques and provide better guidance to students. Host companies are able to gain a fresh perspective and research from visiting professors.
“I think this program is hugely beneficial for educators as it gives an intensive immersion into a top agency,” Hanus said. “It did so much in shaping my understanding of how the industry works and what are the most current best practices. It also gives you a chance to make great connections, and I hope to bring some of the people I met into the classroom.”