Marketing Student Lands Scholarship for New York City Advertising Conference

Senior marketing student Prisca Paul won a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent Florida Atlantic University at a prestigious week-long student conference in New York City, hosted by the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

Paul was one of 50 students in the country selected to participate in the AAF’s Most Promising Students, an annual program that fosters connections with professionals in leading advertising agencies, media companies through a series of exclusive networking and immersive learning experiences. Students representing more than two dozen universities, including the University of Michigan, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Florida were in attendance. 

“Prisca’s achievement reflects the bold ambition and creative spirit we champion in FAU’s Marketing Department, said Hong Yuan, Ph.D. and Marketing Department Chair. "She’s not only elevating her own path—but redefining the opportunities possible for the next class of marketers who follow in her footsteps." 

As part of the six day program, events including the Building Bridges Luncheon, Recruiter Expo, and Industry Immersion offered students the chance to visit major companies, attend workshops led by industry leaders, and gain firsthand exposure to careers in advertising. Most Promising Students participants also met with notable advertisers, media companies, advertising agencies, and recruiters. They engaged in recruiter fairs, panel discussions, and company tours, visiting well-respected companies including The Trade Desk, Sony Music Entertainment, FCB Global, IPG Mediabrands, Wieden + Kennedy, and Omnicom Media Group.

On acceptance into the program, Prisca was paired with a mentor—a Most Promising Students alum—who guided her leading up to the event. For one competition, students were divided into groups and tasked with creating a strategic pitch for a designated company. Prisca’s team was assigned to Adobe and collaborated before the conference to develop their pitch deck. During the six-day expo in Times Square, they had several opportunities to present: once at the LinkedIn headquarters in the Empire State Building and twice more throughout the week. This hands-on experience fostered teamwork and critical thinking, allowing students to showcase their talents.

Prisca first learned about the Most Promising Students program through a LinkedIn message from a connection she made at an FAU's career fair hosted by the Career Center. This simple interaction led to a life-changing opportunity. Her advice to fellow students: expand their network and use connections they already have. Take time for “coffee chats,” as she calls them, to engage with classmates and professors, learn from industry professionals on LinkedIn, and connect with students from other universities. She also encourages students to attend career fairs and connect with recruiters, not just for job opportunities but to gain insight into what they look for in students. 

“Have someone in your corner, someone who will cheer for you and network on your behalf. The Most Promising Students program was just the opportunity I needed to showcase my talents, especially as a graduating senior. I know how valuable this experience has been for me, and as the first FAU student to receive a Most Promising Students award, I want to support others in applying so they can benefit from it too."

~Prisca Paul, senior marketing student

Programs and conferences like the one sponsored by AAF have a lasting impact on a student's career and personal growth, and the knowledge and relationships gained are invaluable. Prisca is the first student from Florida Atlantic University to receive a scholarship for the Most Promising Students program, and one of her next goals, in addition to graduating in the spring, is to give back to current Business Owls as one the AAF program's alumni and help guide students towards opportunities like the ones she has had here at FAU. 

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