Graduate spotlight: KitKat, CoppaFeel & a Cannes Gold Lion

Since graduating from Falmouth's Creative Advertising MA, Jo Taylor has worked for the likes of KitKat, Carlsberg and CoppaFeel. Now she's working as a Creative at Fold7. Here's Jo's career story in her own words. 

Since completing your MA, which agencies have you worked at and which brands have you worked on?
I've worked full time at JWT (now Wunderman Thompson) and Fold7 across a really wide variety of brands - such as HSBC, First Direct, KitKat, Rowntree's, Nespresso, Carlsberg, Rightmove, CoppaFeel, Kronenbourg 1664, Reebok etc.

How do you feel, now that you're working for Fold7?
There's no doubt that advertising is a tough industry, so I'm really chuffed to be able to say I've now got 9 years under my belt and a Cannes Gold Lion, to boot.

I've been incredibly lucky to work with and learn from some totally brilliant people along the way and I hope to be able to continue growing and helping others in return.

Have you worked on any side projects since graduation?
For the past few years, I've worked with Middlesex University and Uxbridge College students on projects for CoppaFeel and other non-profit organisations. It's been great to share the things I've learnt, and in turn, see what ideas the students might come up with next.

The Falmouth course gave me the absolute best foundation for starting out in the advertising industry. I came into it totally clueless and came out with a partner and a portfolio.

How did the course at Falmouth help you to develop your skills and career?
The Falmouth course gave me the absolute best foundation for starting out in the advertising industry. I came into it totally clueless and came out with a partner, a portfolio and all the fundamentals. I often refer back to the very basics we were taught on the course, like the importance of the big idea, simplicity and clarity. I really enjoyed my time at Falmouth and definitely don't think be working in advertising without it.

What are the best things about working in advertising?
I love that every day is different. You become an expert in the weirdest things, there's something new with every brief – from coffee beans to cat food – so it always stays interesting. I've also managed to travel the world, shooting ads or going on training courses in places like Las Vegas, Cape Town and Bangladesh. It's definitely a job that's about the people as much as the work, you get to work alongside interesting and clever minds that constantly encourage you to keep on top of your game.

Inspired by Jo's story? Check out our Creative Advertising master's degree