Posted September 24, 2020
Updated October 4, 2020
Article by Megan Mellerson, CIC communications intern
Averrey Jencka has always been intrigued by the endless possibilities that exist in the advertising industry.
“There is something so fascinating and scary about never having a correct answer,” she says.
Now in her final semester, this is arguably Jencka’s favorite element about her majors, advertising and graphic design.
She wanted to attend college outside of her home state, Pennsylvania, to experience a different environment. Years later, she’s pleased with the education she’s received and the opportunities she’s been given through the SJMC.
Last spring, Jencka was a member of the Ad Team that brought home second place in District 3 of the National Student Advertising Competition. She says she is proud of the team’s work and accomplishments, despite having to work virtually.
She was also accepted into the highly competitive Vance and Betty Lee Stickell Honors Internship Program, which placed her with TBWA/Chiat/Day in NYC. As an intern, she attended client meetings, worked on creating brand briefs for multiple brands and even developed content for Nissan’s Instagram calendar.
“I fell in love with TBWA even though It was completely virtual,” Jencka says. “Everyone was so helpful and excited to include the interns in their projects. I felt like a real employee there.”
That opportunity was made possible thanks to the support and guidance of instructor Jeff Williams.
“Professor Williams demands the best from his students and is so confident in our talent and potential that we begin to believe it as well,” she says.
In addition, Jencka has continued to serve her campus community outside of the SJMC. She is a member of the American Advertising Federation, she manages social media for the club tennis team and she is a past vice president of marketing and communications for Gamecock Pantry.
After graduating in December, Jencka will join one of the country's premier agencies, TBWA\Chiat\Day.
Connect with her on Instagram @averreyjencka!
Megan Mellerson is a senior public relations major and intern in the college communications office. She is also student editor of the college's student newsletter. She looks forward to discovering the ways in which her passion for public relations intersects with her interest in the field of advertising and brand marketing.