Feature

Sajeda Hussain

ONE of the most popular techniques of extracting successful outcomes from different possibilities is experimentation. The urge to discover the unknown, the drive to create something new, the passion to achieve the impossible- all these have played a vital role in the evolution of mankind on earth. Columbus found North America in his search for India. Iodine was discovered by chemist Bernard Courtois, in his attempt to collect potassium nitrate from sea-weed. Such is the power of a single experiment. Holding this spirit at heart, I went down on a journey to find my niche in this world, accidentally coming across 'a rare collectible' called Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) Bangladesh.

Being a university student of 19, backed by the will to be challenged to do something creative, advertising seemed to be like a bouquet of flowers, left at my doorstep by some secret admirer. The reason I say so, is because I had never even considered this industry as a place to build my career. But now that I boastfully present myself as a part of it, it feels as if I had always known- 'This is it!'

Starting from when I was in school, I had always indulged myself in creative writing through participations in essay competitions, literary writing clubs, writing for various national dailies and so forth. However, pursuing this passion in the form of a career starter came across in front of my university, in a very casual conversation with senior friends. The next thing I knew, I was giving an interview, for the position of a copywriter, in the Creative Team, of one of the world's most renowned advertising agencies, called O&M.

And thus began an adventurous journey! This time I was on the other side of the fence. Where once, I would stand across the street, appreciating ads on billboards, this time I was the one being in the making of it! Moreover, apart from the fun-side of being in the show, I slowly and steadily realised, that what seems like a 'simple' 2 minute television ad, or a 'mere' print ad in the newspaper, is the result of immense hard work of the most creative minds and dexterous hands across the nation. Advertising is not just a marketing privilege; rather it's a mindset that with unbridled exploitation can lead to many great things for the society.

Every experience comes along with great learning. For me, through my acquaintance with O&M, I have come face to face with many different facets of life. What initially started off as a hobby, has taught me to harness my full creative potential with entrepreneurial spirits. Working in a team and implementing my ideas in coordination with those of others, has had a significant impact on flexibility. Moreover, I have truly learned the value of perfection. 'Never settle for mediocrity'- that is what we believe in. In O&M, I have not only learned, but learned straight from the 'gurus'- people who have immersed all ten fingers into the creative pot of thinking.

Like I said, output comes from experiment and I dared to be experimental. As a result, I have learned to use my skills more efficiently under the limitations of time, budget and so many other factors. So, if you feel you have the material in you, dare to be creative!

(The writer is a student of North South University)