Student Day

2025 Planning in the Works | The Country Club of Sioux Falls

Students: You’re probably asking yourself a lot of questions. Does my résumé paint the best picture of my skills and accomplishments? What should I include in my portfolio? What does it really mean to work in marketing or advertising or communications? What does it really look like to work for an agency versus “in-house” as part of a company’s marketing department?

Educators: Are you struggling to provide students with resources and connections as they move through their chosen major? Are you looking for industry experts to guest lecture throughout the semester to provide real-world insights to students? Need an extra set of eyes to review creative or writing portfolios for students?

Fear not. AAF-SD is proud to present Student Day 2024, where we will aim to Elevate what is possible for students as they visualize their future career.

Kick off the day with a choice of your first of two panel discussions specific to roles found throughout the marketing and advertising world: Creatives, Account Managers, Insights and Media. These panels include incredibly talented professionals from a wide range of industries as well as advertising agencies. These gurus will give students a firsthand account of their path to their current profession, the biggest lessons they’ve learned along the way and showcase the variety of ways students can expect to leverage their college experience as they enter the workforce full-time. There will also be headshots, resume and creative portfolio reviews, a catered lunch, a vendor fair all while ending the day with professional, moderated speed networking which will allow for one-on-one connection with professionals who can help answer students’ tough questions. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network, learn, and grow. Elevate your career at Student Day!

2024 Student Day Agenda

9:30 AM

Registration Opens + Headshot Booth Open

10 - 10:15AM

Welcome

10:15 - 11AM

Panel 1 Discussion

11 - 11:15 AM

Refreshment Break

11:15 - Noon

Panel 2 Discussion + Headshot Opportunity

Noon - 1PM

Lunch + Headshot Opportunity + Vendor Fair

1 - 1:45PM

Roundtable Speed Networking

1:45 - 2PM

Wrap-up

2 - 3PM

Advertising Agency Open Houses (Optional)

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not be possible without all our amazing sponsors: Midco, Vern Eide, DJ Jer, MacDoctors, USD Media & Journalism and USD - Sioux Falls. Last but certainly not least is our amazing Creative Sponsor: Sanford Health! Student Day 2024 is proud to be supported by so many incredible organizations investing in the next generation.

Headshots by Rachel Hansen

How to Participate

AAF-SD Student Day is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in the field of advertising to learn and network with industry professionals. To participate in AAF-SD Student Day, you can start by registering for the event through the AAF-SD website. It's essential to come prepared with questions, a portfolio (if applicable) and an eagerness to learn, as this event offers a wealth of insights and opportunities to connect with professionals in the advertising industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Student day is an annual, one-day conference is catered specifically to postsecondary students studying marketing, advertising, or design. Learn from and be inspired by the area’s foremost industry professionals.

  • AAF-SD Student Day is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in the field of advertising to learn and network with industry professionals. To participate in AAF-SD Student Day, you can start by registering for the event through the AAF-SD website. It's essential to come prepared with questions and an eagerness to learn, as this event offers a wealth of insights and opportunities to connect with professionals in the advertising industry.

  • Student day includes: a keynote speaker, panel discussion, professional headshots, speed-networking and roundtable discussions with advertising leaders.

Here’s what past attendees have to say
about their experience at Student Day:

“I’m feeling inspired! Student Day gave me valuable connections to the industry.”

“Student Day gave me good perspective and pointed me where I want to go.”

“I loved listening to the variety of speakers that were offered at Student Day. There was

a lot of good insight for students who needed some clarification on their future careers!”

“I was wanting to learn about the interview process and internships, and I learned lots!”

Event Sponsors

Still have questions?
Contact our program director today!