Tag: Olamide Ogunjobi

Olamide Ogunjobi (AB ‘20) named one of AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Students

Posted on by admin

Recent graduate Olamide Ogunjobi (AB ’20) was recently named one of the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF)  Most Promising Multicultural Students. She and about 50 other students from across the country participated in the program’s virtual session in late January.

“Ola is one of the most hard-working, deserving honorees I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” said Kirsten Strausbaugh, senior lecturer in advertising.

The AAF connects the best multicultural college seniors and young graduates with the advertising industry. This year’s virtual program provided students with networking opportunities and personal brand coaching. The AAF hopes to help ad agencies recruit new talent and properly reflect today’s diverse society.      

“It’s a challenging climate for advertisers and their clients currently, with budget cuts, layoffs, businesses closing and all of the uncertainty surrounding us,” Strausbaugh said. “Participating in this program will give Ola the exposure she needs to active, healthy ad agencies who are in a position to recruit and hire top entry-level talent.”

Ogunjobi graduated in May 2020 with degrees in advertising and economics. The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed her to branch out and try new roles in UX design and public relations. 

“Trying new things helped me figure out what was the perfect fit for me. I’ve now found the right role for me in operations at an ad agency,” Ogunjobi said, who currently works for Porter Novelli.  

While a student, Ogunjobi participated in Ad Club and Grady’s Ph.D. Media Collective. These clubs gave her insight into how real-world ad agencies worked, and she heard from both experts and interns about things they wished they knew before jump starting their careers. 

The AAF program taught Ogunjobi how to be more confident in her craft, she said. The program’s creative workshops inspired her to change how she presents her work. 

“The recognition meant a lot, especially since I’ve known amazing people that were a part of the program,” Ogunjobi said. “It means even more to be in community with a lot of amazing groups of individuals.”

#GradyGrit: Meet Olamide Ogunjobi

Posted on by Sarah Freeman

How has Grady influenced your time at UGA?

Grady has impacted my mentality at UGA. It has taught me that no one is an island and that it’s not only what you do in college but who you do it with that’s important. I am so grateful for every classmate, every professor and every advisor that has challenged me to be greater than I was and pursue what makes me happy.

Who has been your favorite instructor? Class?

My favorite instructor is Professor Strausbaugh. There are so many reasons to love her, but what stands out is the tremendous amount of advice she gives me that shapes my view on life and how she is always there to get me out of my severe imposter syndrome. My favorite class is Dr. Phua’s social media class because of all the industry examples we are exposed to. If you pay attention, you get a lot out of it.

What motivates you?

People. The answer is simple yet complex coming from a very introverted person. Nothing motivates me more than seeing people achieve their dreams and push themselves towards limits they never thought were possible.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

Dr. King has impacted my journey more than she knows. She gives me a lot of critical career advice like what to look for in a company when job searching. More importantly, she teaches me a lot about humility and paying forward.

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself before you began taking Grady classes?

Take the leap and start connecting. I committed to Grady late because of instability in communications and media jobs in general. However, I learned later on that you have to invest in what makes you happy. Listen to yourself and stop letting the “what ifs” stop you. Ask yourself: Does it make you happy? Yes? Then go for it!

Ogunjobi (front row, second from left) with other members of the Grady PHD Scholar Program.

How do you think Grady students are unique compared to other majors on campus?

We’re doing things that other schools aren’t doing, and it’s simply because of our alumni connections. Opportunities to visit Silicon Valley, Washington D.C. and Cannes Lion festival are a testimony to Grady’s strong alumni network.

What is your favorite hobby?

I love learning new cultures and languages. It is like a million hobbies in one. You hear new music, try new food and think about life in a whole new way.

What is your favorite place on campus?

The law library, even though I don’t think I’m technically allowed there. I am extremely motivated by others and the intense study spot helps me focus.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I get a surprising amount of sleep. I never get less than 10 hours a night. Please stop sacrificing sleep and focus on self-care.

Favorite Athens restaurant?

Cali N Tito’s. I love the restaurant’s atmosphere, and I go as often as I can.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Frozen yogurt. I get the most slept on flavor – tart!

Editor’s Note: Some of the above answers have been edited for length and/or clarity.

For other installments in the #GradyGrit series, visit the #GradyGrit page.