Phase two: Keep your job

Do work (Duh!)

I had just moved to New York and I needed a job. I called a temp agency that placed people in advertising agencies—my dream profession. “I want to be a copywriter,” I said. They said, “Call us in five years. In the meantime, answer phones.”

The agency placed me at a medical-advertising firm. After three boring weeks I told the creative director, “I didn’t move here to answer phones.” I bribed people with candy. They gave me small jobs, like proofing. I did them well and asked for more. People were impressed that I wanted to learn. Four months later, I was promoted to junior copywriter—skipping three or four years in the chain. (I later learned my boss also started as a receptionist.) I didn’t take my promotion for granted: I got my hands dirty, putting in long hours and developing unique ideas for ad campaigns. People noticed. A few years later, another agency hired me as a copywriter. Soon, another agency sought me out and tabbed me as a senior copywriter—and doubled my salary. After that, I did a friend a favor and went on an informational interview at a different firm. They said, “What will it take to get you here?” I sent them an outlandish number. They agreed to it, but I stayed at my firm because they matched the offer.After seven years, I’m now a vice president at a small, innovative agency. I’m the creative leader of a team in charge of developing ad campaigns for a multimillion-dollar client. My first boss said she recognized my talent, but I say my success was due to persistence—and candy.

—As told to Joshua M. Bernstein by a VP at an ad firm