Dear Reader:
I hate bio’s that are written from someone else’s perspective, so really this is more of an open letter to whomever is interested in the resources I share and the seminars which I occasionally host.
As long as I can remember, I’ve always loved helping people, especially when it’s come to navigating careers, and especially within Advertising. Which by all accounts is challenging to get into, not just because it’s so fast pace and cut throat at times, but mostly because there just is way too much gatekeeping and not enough early career focused recruiters out there who are willing to go the extra mile to help bridge the educational disconnect.
Nothing against universities or professors as I know I wouldn’t be where I am today with all the amazing help and opportunities Cal Poly Pomona gave me. I know there are a ton of very strong programs that prepare you for a career in Advertising (because I work with them - looking at you UT Austin) but as someone who works full time as an early Career Recruiter at RPA, I know first hand that there’s still a long way to go, especially when it comes to increasing our diversity within the industry.
Which is why I created YFNR - Your Friendly Neighborhood Recruiter.
YFNR was created out of the idea that no matter where I end up within advertising, marketing or recruiting, that I’ll always have a shared safe space where I can consistently stay engaged with students and early career professionals who want to get into Advertising and need just a little bit of direction and help - especially those first generation students like myself.
Anyway, thank you for reading this, for investing in yourself, for being curious, for working hard, and for not giving up. You are all part of the reason why I created this space and why I love what I do. So again, thank you for being a part of our community and for taking a chance on a career within Advertising. My wish is that everything you find and learn here helps you figure out the best path forward.
And don’t forget your journey is just beginning, and is yet to be determined. Stay curious.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Recruiter,
David Pena