An Inside Look at Edelman!
By: Mary Amoroso
Have you ever indulged in the luxury of watching Dove's soapy, silky ad campaigns? Have you marveled at eBay's online treasure trove from the comfort of your couch? Or maybe you've found yourself embracing your inner Maxxinista thanks to the tempting allure of TJMaxx and Homegoods commercials? Then you've made the acquaintance of Edelman, the PR powerhouse behind the scenes. They're the brains and brawn responsible for shaping the stories of major brands like XBOX, Vaseline, and Samsung (just to drop a few big names). Edelman focuses on telling stories through the media and keeping trust at the forefront of their relationship with corporate brands, which was Daniel J. Edelman's mission when the company was founded in 1952, and is still family owned.
Edelman invited CenComm students to attend a panel, Q&A session, and tour of their beautiful building on Hudson and Broome. The most inspiring aspect of the on-location event, from my perspective, was the genuine passion that emanated from the Edleman employees as they wholeheartedly embraced their work, clearly demonstrating their deep love for what they do. First we got to hear from Sean Ellman, SVP Group Creative Director, who recently worked on a campaign for the eBay x Nike Dunks Skateable Box.
Sean, who is a self proclaimed “sneakerhead,” knew everything about the rarity of the Nike SB Dunks and how they are commonly only found on eBay, one pair even being sawed in pieces to protect its exclusivity. Sean turned the rare Nike SB Dunks and eBay into an internet sensation. Through his campaign 10 skatable wooden boxes were auctioned off for charity (The Bodecker Foundation) making eBay the talk of the town. Sean not only delivered for his client but also made a positive impact on the community in true Edelman fashion.
We also had the opportunity to hear from two junior level employees Luisa Mesa and Center for Communication alum, Dajana Reese. Their insights were truly inspiring as we all eagerly sought to understand how they achieved their current success. They openly and genuinely stressed the importance of networking, having coffee chats, and actively participating in Center for Communication events.
Dajana, who had graduated from FIT, was looking for work in the advertising and PR industry, shared how attending one of our marketing events had been a turning point in her journey.
Luisa had a similar story; she graduated and worked in Paris briefly before returning home and utilizing her network to connect with a woman who was part of the Edelman GenZ lab, a place where GenZ voices are not just heard but genuinely valued. This ensures that advertising stays in tune with the present times and avoids blunders. In the end, Luisa managed to secure an interview, and by simply being herself and showing her eagerness to contribute at Edelman, she landed the job.
The last stop on our Edelman on-location was the rooftop deck with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. We were told that the office space adjacent was ‘where the magic happens' and many important meetings and deals were forged right there in that room. Tangible evidence of Edleman’s success was present with various awards and medals decorating the space. During this time we were able to network with the panelists, exchange LinkedIn profiles, and take group pictures. The Q&A quiz winners also all got tote bags!
What can be taken away from this on-location is the importance of finding a career that makes you happy, being willing to go the extra mile and show up for events and panels offered to you, maintaining your network, and going after what you want. Even if you think you don’t have all the qualifications, a positive attitude and eagerness can carry you far!
Don’t forget to take a look at our upcoming events and panels, just like Dajana, you never know who you might meet!
