Beg, Plead, Scratch and Claw: Tips on Getting into Advertising.

The advertising industry can be a tough one to get into. As a junior looking to graduate in a little over a year, I am beginning to look into where I want to work, and making a plan to get there. Ryan Tysdal, who works in advertising sales at Results Radio in Sioux Falls, passed on a few tips on what to do and what not to do.

Ryan grew up in the Sioux Falls area and graduated from Augustana college with degrees in Music and Business Administration and an emphasis in Marketing. A few years after graduation, with a little persistence, he was hired as the first ever media buyer at HenkinSchultz. In 2008 he started working at Results Radio and has been there since.

When asked what advice he had for current students trying to get into the advertising industry Ryan said "Beg, plead, scratch, claw, do WHATEVER you need to get a job!" On a more serious note he said one key is to make your resume unique. Don't just make it a generic resume that your potential employer might see every day. Some quirky ideas he stated were taping it to an airplane propeller (and believe it or not, he isn't the first person I've heard that idea from) or having it sung by a clown-for-hire. He says making your resume stand out is the only way to get the job you want.

Be involved. Ryan also places importance on being involved during school. Do internships, shadow professionals, take tours, just get your foot in the door. It gives more face time with a potential employer than any interview could.

The last bit of advice Ryan had was to not settle for a job you don't want. Ryan himself says he held out for his job at HenkinShultz and is glad he did. He says, "It's important to know where you want to go." To get there, use professionals, professors, anyone that is connected in the industry and can help you begin your journey to where you want to be.