How to get ahead in advertising

As part of a week-long programme of Media Department master classes, guest lectures and workshops, the Chief Creative Director of one of the world's leading agencies shared his advertising experiences with Edge Hill University students.

DDB Worldwide Communications Group is one of the largest global advertising holding companies and so it was with great appreciation that industry expert and multi-award winner, Neil Dawson, could devote his time to this visit.  

With almost two decades of experience, Neil has worked with many agencies and brands across a number of industry sectors. Now based in London where he lives with his family, he utilises the creative talents from DDB offices situated all over the world to service one of their largest accounts, Philips.  

During his presentation, which was followed by a question and answer session, Neil drew on examples from throughout his career, whether direct mail, radio, press, poster, television or digital, and discussed the now infamous campaigns he had worked on including Absolute Vodka, Harrods, VW and Proctor and Gamble to name just a few. He talked through the campaigns from original objectives to final outcomes whilst revealing the lessons he had learnt along the way, together with some anecdotes from behind the scenes.  

Neil also offered our students advice and guidance on making the leap from study to work and securing that all important first job, emphasising his belief that creativity, not just in advertising but through all elements of business, is the most potent of weapons.  

In summary, Neil concluded that the future of the industry is through the self-belief and fresh talent offered by graduates and how, with a creative approach, anything is possible.