by Taylor Strasburg; Integrated Media Communications graduate major; Sioux Falls, SD
Taco John’s, the Green Bay Packers and Chevron are just a few of the brands former journalism major Brandon Weeldreyer has worked with since leaving the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 2015. Now, he looks to share advice for the newest generation of students.
“If you want to work at a big agency, find someone that you work well with,” Weeldreyer said. “I’m a writer and I knew a designer, so we partnered up together to practice making creatives outside of class.”
According to Brandon’s creative partner Connor Burtis, that relationship was mutually beneficial. “His expertise helped build my portfolio. He helped me in an area I was weak in.”
Weeldreyer always knew he had a knack for writing but he wasn’t sure how to get the most out of his talent. That’s when the Sioux Falls native began taking courses at the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and learning about how he could fit.
“Classes did pretty well at explaining the different roles within an agency,” Weeldreyer said. “Exercises in strategic planning helped me realize what to expect in the real world.”
Weeldreyer still needed some guidance on where to head following his graduation. That’s when he reached out to a trusted faculty member, Adam Wagler.
“He helped give guidance to possible professions for someone with a writing specialization like me,” Weeldreyer said. “It just helped narrow down my search at a stressful time.”
The guidance did not fall on deaf ears. After graduating, Weeldreyer immediately went to work for Lawrence and Schiller, the largest advertising agency in South Dakota, as a copywriter for brands such as Taco John’s and South Dakota Tourism.
According to Weeldreyer, he is now working on “small projects for big clients,” at Lemonly, an infographic design company that has worked with the Green Bay Packers, Marvel and Chevron.
Although Weeldreyer is in the place he wanted to be after graduating, he said there are some things he would have changed during his time in college.
“I should have signed up for classes like the National Student Advertising Competition and Jacht Ad Agency,” Weeldreyer said. “Getting involved is a great way for students to network and prepare themselves for their future.”
Overall, Weeldreyer said the CoJMC helped set him up for the successes he’s experienced in his professional life.
“The project experiences from UNL helped me land my first job,” Weeldreyer said. “I thought that the class work provided good value for my portfolio.”
Weeldreyer continues to gain respect in his field as his involvement becomes more specialized. He now serves as a key auditor when his company is doing brand analyses. Readers can find some of his work at: https://lemonly.com/work/types/static-infographics/classic.
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