MOJO Ad
365 McReynolds Hall
Missouri School of Journalism
Columbia, MO 65211-1200

Media Contact:
Ryan Meyer, Mojo Ad, WRMeyer@mizzou.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Record Numbers Attend 2008 Strategic Communication Career Fair

Columbia, Mo. – (Feb. 7, 2008) The Missouri School of Journalism hosted the 2008 Strategic Communication Career Fair in Memorial Union on the campus of University of Missouri. The all day event was attended by a record number of recruiters from 20 advertising agencies, public relations firms, and portfolio schools from across the country.

The Missouri School of Journalism is unique in offering fairs specific to student majors. This arrangement has improved the student to recruiter ratio allowing for improved networking opportunities. “It helps benefit students like myself because we can bypass the companies, internships and careers that do not suit my major,” said junior Emily Roxberg. “It also helps me see where the field is going.”

Roxberg was one of 146 students that stopped by the fair to meet with recruiters from as close as Columbia, St. Louis, and Kansas City and as far as Dallas, Minneapolis, and Denver.

Larry Powell, Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication and Agency Director and Creative Director of Mojo Ad, believes the excellent turnout is a testament to the quality of the students and improved event promotion.

“The caliber of students here is very strong,” said Powell. “Recruiters are coming from all around to meet our students and see how they are prepared for the real world.”

Mojo Ad is catching the attention of recruiters in the industry. The student-staffed agency is the first of its kind and works with local and regional businesses as well as ad agencies and national advertisers. Mojo Ad’s specialization is in creating solutions to reach the Youth and Young Adult (YAYA) market.

“We like Mizzou, especially now because students are better prepared due to the opening of Mojo Ad,” said Jennifer Oertli said Rodgers Townsend Human Resources representative. “Students are enthusiastic and excited and incredibly well-organized and professional too.”

Rodgers Townsend Advertising Agency sent two recruiters to represent the agency and interview students. Like many of the agencies in attendance, the St. Louis agency has several alumni employees and employed 3 interns from the Strategic Communication sequence last summer.

With summer and graduation just around the corner, the event offered benefits to both junior and seniors. Many juniors still in introductory advertising courses chatted with recruiters about the basics the industry, how to get an internship, or how to refine their resume. Meanwhile, for many seniors the career fair served as an important step in the to transition from the classroom to the work world.

Overall, the career fair offered something for everyone in the Strategic Communications emphasis area.

“It was perfect for students who are wanting to intern or apply for jobs in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas,” said junior Halli Levy. “Everyone was very easy to talk to and helpful when it came to asking questions.”

-30-