By Luiza Caraccio Beltrame
TAMPA, Fla. — For students eager to launch into the dynamic career of advertising and public relations, it can often seem like all roads lead to New York. Anne Myers, director of brand strategy at a local advertising agency named ChappellRoberts, is proof that international success in advertising can be built right here in Tampa Bay’s sunny corporate and creative hub. With her extensive career experience and insight, Myers shares advice for students trying to break into the growing advertising scene of Tampa and exemplifies how some roads can lead to Tampa.
One of the most alluring aspects of advertising is the ability to integrate creativity and business, said Myers. Naturally, this is what drew her to the early decision to work within this multifaceted area and to pursue her bachelor’s degree in advertising at the University of Florida.
After college, she spent five years in the telecommunications marketing industry before deciding to earn an MBA at The University of Tampa. She spent two hard-earned years studying while working a full-time job.
For any graduates considering this experience, Myers advises that while it is hard, it is also doable and ultimately worth it, as evidenced by her current leadership position as director of brand strategy at one of Tampa’s most prestigious and successful advertising firms.
After earning her MBA, Myers — like many advertising students — thought her only shot at success was moving to a big city like New York or Chicago. However, realizing the local potential in Tampa was essential in shaping her professional path.
In this digital age, there is a misconception that local agencies in Tampa only work with local brands. Myers shared that ChappellRoberts collaborates with national and international brands across the globe, including clients in Asia, Switzerland, New York, and London.
Myers also advises students to recognize the benefits of Tampa’s tight-knit community and the value of reputation.
“It does give us the opportunity to work with brands that are in our local community too, which I think drives passion for a lot of people,” said Myers.
She mentions how excited the team at ChappellRoberts is to work with the Tampa Bay Rays, for example, and how this passion directly translates into their work.
This plays into one of Myers’ primary pieces of advice for students and recent graduates looking to break into the advertising world. It is simple but crucial: genuinely care.
Myers believes passion is what sets exceptional employees apart. She encourages students to reflect on what truly excites them because when you love what you do, success comes naturally. Advertising is about making the public see what the people behind a brand see, and it’s an agency’s responsibility to bring that vision to life. If employees genuinely care, half the battle is already won.
When it comes to advice for current UTampa students, Myers emphasizes the value of building strong professional relationships with professors and peers. She credits much of her own growth to forming these connections and taking advantage of UTampa’s small class sizes and experienced faculty. So students — don’t be afraid to raise your hand and yap away.
“Being the one speaking up, raising your hands, that’s how you become known, and that’s how you form those connections with people,” said Myers.
For many students, the topic of internships can be daunting, and a common perception is that only past internships provide valuable resume experience. Myers disagrees, emphasizing that professional experience doesn’t necessarily require a “huge lineup of internships.”
According to Myers, the key that quality agencies look for in prospective interns is “showing that you have been in situations where you have worked with a team, where you have used your leadership skills and strategic thinking. You can get creative in a number of ways — volunteer experience, groups, or group projects that you do in your classes.”
UTampa has a multitude of clubs, organizations, and awards where students can showcase their people skills, along with many volunteering opportunities, such as working with local shelters like the Humane Society of Tampa Bay or the Mercy Full Project.
Myers notes that personal branding is also a great way to stand out in the internship application process, both in online presence and interviews. Investing in personal analysis — either independently or with the help of friends and family — is a great way to identify and promote personal value.
“I say always overdress rather than underdress, but it’s important to let your personality shine through, too!” said Myers, remarking on the necessity of presenting oneself.
Personal branding, along with a strong cover letter, provides a valuable opportunity to showcase who you are beyond educational and professional achievements.
No two days look the same when working in advertising, and that’s exactly what Myers loves about it.
“A typical day doesn’t really exist,” said Myers.
At ChappellRoberts, she splits her time between remote and in-office work, balancing emails, research, focus groups, and client meetings. Some days, she’s reviewing marketing plans over video calls; other days, she’s on-site for photo shoots or traveling for a campaign.
“No boring days — that’s the truth,” she said.
Whether strategizing at her desk or driving to a client site, she leans into the variety and fast-paced nature of agency life, adding that this is what makes agency work a great fit for students who embrace the strategic “no-routine routine.”
With so much happening at once, Myers highlights the importance of organization in an advertising work environment. Whether through Post-it notes, digital planners, or a physical journal, she recommends prioritizing tasks each day to stay on track.
“Sit down and say, ‘Okay, well, today, this is the most important thing, then this, and then this,’” she said.
A clear plan helps manage shifting priorities and ensures everything gets done in the best way possible, so employees can also have the time to enjoy the upbeat atmosphere and dynamism of an agency like ChappellRoberts.
For students looking to enter the expanding advertising world of Tampa Bay, Myers has one major piece of advice: Don’t let the unknown hold you back.
“In the beginning of a career, there’s a lot more you don’t know than what you do,” said Myers. “But don’t let that scare you. Approach it with curiosity — how can I find out more? How can I learn more?”
She believes a growth mindset sets the best candidates apart, pushing them to learn, adapt, and move forward rather than shrinking back. For students who love the mix of creativity, strategy, and fast-paced work, Tampa Bay is full of opportunity.
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Thumbnail Image Caption: Set of awards won by ChappellRoberts, a local advertising agency. Photo courtesy of Luiza Caraccio Beltrame.