Recently, I had the rare opportunity to meet with the CEO of a large ad agency. Not knowing what to expect, I went in with an open mind and came out with some valuable tips, one of which I want to share here due to the fact that it directly applies to the millennial “entitlement” attitude that may or may not exist among young professionals. I’ve always thought of myself as fairly down to earth, but today’s conversation blew that notion out of the water.
I arrived without a hitch, waited a few minutes for my host, then, with stars in my eyes and a brief tremble in my 
otherwise confident demeanor, I greeted Mr. Ad Exec and was escorted to a large corner office, complete with indoor putting green and pics with the President.
Water in hand, I sat down with my new acquaintance on a gray couch near the window.
First question: “So, why do you want to work in advertising?”
I know why, so answering the question wasn’t a problem, but, had this been a job interview, the style of my answer may have been.
What did I talk about? Myself.
What should I have talked about? Myself, but also what I can bring to an agency.
Fail.
The lesson this wise executive proceeded to teach me can be summed up in one quote I’ll always remember:
“Employers aren’t here to fulfill your life.”
He had met with others my age in this sort of setting; he said we all do the same thing. I spoke at length about the things I’m working toward and what I intend to achieve in life without touching on what I plan to give.
Bear that quote in mind next time you’re preparing for an interview and don’t forget that sky-high ambitions are meaningless. It’s what you can bring to the table that counts.
