Baruch College Student Named One of the “Most Promising Multicultural Students” in 2019 by the American Advertising Federation

December 13, 2018

David Yao (’19), a marketing major at the Zicklin School of Business, was chosen for the 2019 class of the “most promising multicultural students” by the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

David is among only 50 students from across the country selected as winners for the program.

Eight leading advertising industry professionals, who represent some of the world’s most prominent agencies, picked the class on October 24 in Washington, D.C.

“It’s truly a pleasure to represent Baruch College and the Zicklin School of Business for the American Advertising Federation (AAF). I owe this opportunity to Baruch itself for all the Zicklin professors who strive to make our marketing curriculum more competitive every day,” said David. “From the quality of the education to the real-world insight given to me, I could not be more thankful for all that the College has provided me.”

According to the AAF, the organization’s Most Promising Multicultural Students program “connects the advertising industry with the nation’s top multicultural seniors.” A rigorous application process includes high academic performance and submission of portfolios, resumes and letters of recommendations.

“On behalf of the Zicklin School of Business, we very proud of David’s achievement as the one of the AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Students Class of 2019,” said Barry Soloff, professor in the Allen G. Aaronson Department of Marketing and International Business. “This recognition will, in all likelihood, lead to a job with one of the most prestigious advertising agencies as many recruiters highly value these candidates.”

In February, David and other members of the 2019 Class will attend a multi-day program in New York City that provides networking and learning opportunities, site visits to major advertising and media companies, and an exclusive AAF career job fair with recruiters.

Expanded Programs and Student Opportunities

According to Soloff, Zicklin has expanded its array of advertising and communication courses over the last few years. This comprehensive curriculum, which includes a wide-range of courses from account management, to advertising campaigns, to media planning and buying, prepares students for careers in the field.

“Our advances in the advertising and marketing department have led to students gaining more recognition in the industry,” said Soloff. “This year, five Zicklin students were recognized by Publicis Media, one of the world largest media agencies, as Multicultural Talent Pipeline candidates, adding to the five candidates recognized in 2017 and 2016.”

For more information about the Department of Advertising and Marketing, go here.

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