Speak Out
Jordan Smith
Outstanding Senior in Advertising

Dr. Lynn Zoch on Jordan's accomplishments:

Jordan is one of only three students to win a Gold ADDY award from AAF of the Midlands in 2008. Read more and see her work>

She has also won a Bronze Award in the 2008 USC Student Advertising Federation Ad Show for her Jordan campaign.

She is currently the Art Director of the AAF Competition Team that will be heading off for Charlotte to compete in regionals.

Jordan Speaks Out:

Why did you choose USC?

It was truly a last minute decision to apply, but shortly after I got a letter notifying me of a scholarship. So I came down to check it out and fell in love. The weather, the palmetto trees, everything. It also helped that I had a few friends from Virginia here. I also thought it would be a great place to be an undecided student because there were so many different options to take.

Why advertising?

I can express my creativity in a professional setting and not have to deal with the "starving artist syndrome." It is also interesting to see how different people advertise the same thing in so many different ways.

Favorite/most beneficial class?

I have two of them. Jour 464 which is the second graphics class – it taught me how to use the Adobe Suite which has become one of the most beneficial skills I have learned while at school, a lot of employers see it as a plus to have knowledge in creative software.

The other class was Advance Creative Strategies with Prof. Drewniany – it was great for building a portfolio, but also she is an awesome teacher and has a very unique way of having blunt constructive criticism that doesn't offend you and can even make you laugh.

What will you miss most about college?

Being so close to all of the friends I have made. Everyone is moving in different directions and it's not like graduating high school where you know you'll see each other on breaks. You have no idea when you will see your friends from college again.

And you won't miss?

Cramming for exams, group projects, lectures all for classes that you don't find that interesting and you're just trying to make a good grade.

Has there been a "defining moment" or significant event  in your college experience?

Winning a Gold ADDY this year. What an awesome feeling to have professionals judge your work and think that it deserves an award.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Get a job with an agency somewhere in the Carolinas. Also enjoy myself for a little while, travel.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for other students in your major?

Get an internship as soon as possible. It will help you decide what area of the field that you want to enter which is something that is helpful to know before you graduate. It will also help drive your choices in electives (for your major and in general) that will benefit you in your search for a job. Internships also help you network early, which can help land you a job. Also get involved!

Read the other Outstanding Senior comments: