A year ago, I took a leap of faith for my dream job in advertising and I have no regrets. Needless to say, it's been one hell of a ride.

As a Community Manager, my days are filled with stimulating projects, thought-provoking brainstorms, and rigid deadlines. At times it can be a glamorous life, but it's certainly not for the faint heart. If you can make it through one year at an ad agency, then you can make it through anything.

A survival guide for the uninitiated would've been nice, but somehow I've succeeded without one. Lucky for you dear reader, I now have a wealth of knowledge to share! So what have I learned?

1. Career Champions Are Important

Finding a career champion in the office is essential. They can help transition you into your current role and eventually into your preferred role, whether that's marketing, new business or something else entirely. Take a look around the office for successful, well-respected co-workers and ask for career help. Find someone who believes in your ability and can help you plan out your 30-60-90 day career goals. Don't be afraid to make friends with co-workers - they're vital to your future.

2. You're Valuable, So Prove It To The Team

Getting a job in advertising (and keeping it) is tough. Every May a new crop of talented advertising hopefuls enter the workforce. To compete, you'll need to prove you're capable of making more than a killer cup of coffee. What matters most is the value that you bring to the team and office. Own a project or two, offer to plan the big office party, pitch strategic ideas and voice your point of view during brainstorms. Don't be shy to prove your value to your team and be strategic about showing off your strengths and talents

3. When Your Boss Looks Good, You Look Good

My number top rules are to be humble, stay focused and never piss off the client. It's also important to align your daily tasks to your boss' short and long term goals. This aids them with the advancement of their careers as leaders and supports the success of the entire team. When the boss succeeds the expectations of the client, upper management notices. When upper management notices... promotions are likely to happen. 

4. The Creative Team is NOT Your Enemy

Before working at an ad agency, I thought it'd be like Mad Men (I'm a proud fan). I was also under the impression that the creative team was composed of eccentric, highly intelligent people that didn't care about junior account woman. To be honest, I was scared of the creatives. It took me nearly five months to figure out that building relationships with them are critical for the development of the account/agency relationship and the internal work environment. Their creative brains are the lifeblood of the agency and should be admired, not feared. 

5. The Job Isn't Worth Your Health

Working in advertising (or in any dream career) is worth getting up for in the morning, but it's not worth your health. Working 60 to 70 hours a week (without being asked to) can be a dreadful mistake during the first year, and it's not healthy. When looking for an agency job, remember that a good work-life balance is more than having weekends off. It's about having personal time for breaks, exercise, proper sleep, eating well and preventive care.

Overall, it's been a good year and I'm blessed to say, "I love my job" every day. Happy one year in advertising to me and good luck to you as you embark on your journey!