Like many young professionals in corporate America, especially in advertising, I’ve had a wonderful yet chaotic year, crawling, running, jumping, and occasionally falling my way toward my first full-time gig in this industry.

So one day, just a few months before writing this, a few friends and I decided to make something. We wanted to compile all the interesting things we’ve learned along the way. To turn informational chats, networking events, and real on-the-job experience into one resource to share with others in a similar boat.

What came out of that conversation is what you’re holding now. Inside, you’ll find a quick dive into RPA’s history, practical tips and tricks for networking and staying organized, and an overview of the many departments that bring an advertising agency to life. You’ll also find interviews with some of my favorite people at RPA, whose insights and advice have helped me tremendously as I’ve found my footing in this exhilarating, though sometimes overwhelming world.