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March 23rd | Founding Cohort $399The Launch Lab
Build a recruiter-ready brand, a clear target strategy, and confident outreach — guided by an ICF Certified Coach and former recruiter.
Stop guessing. Start getting traction.
The 6-Week, Job Search Accelerator for Internship & Early-Career Job Seekers
Bridgeing the Gap Between College and Career
Launch Lab integrates deep coaching work with insider recruiting perspective. Students gain clarity on who they are, strategy for how to position themselves, and the structure and accountability to follow through.
Meet Your Coach
Hi, I’m Sam — an ICF Certified Coach (ACC), trained through Brown University’s ACT program and a former recruiter in advertising, marketing, branding, and design.
I’ve supported students and early-career professionals from institutions including Syracuse, Brown, Wesleyan, UT Austin, Northeastern, Delaware, Hamilton, Emerson, Ithaca & Binghamton as they navigate the transition from college to career.
Before coaching, I placed early-career talent at top creative agencies like Wieden+Kennedy, Mother, BBDO, Droga5, Ogilvy and Landor as well as companies including Apple, Google, Lyft, CAA, and Brooks Running.
I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes and portfolios and partnered directly with hiring managers, giving me a clear understanding of what truly stands out in today’s competitive market.
In 6 Sessions You Will:
✔ A strategic outreach map
✔ Confidence in the process
✔ Understand how hiring decisions are made
The Hidden Market Map: A step-by-step system to find the agencies, award-winners, and "Helpers" who want to help you get hired.
“Six months out of college, I was trying to break into advertising but struggling to find the right direction. I was getting occasional interviews, but I had not yet uncovered what I truly wanted from my career or how to position myself in a way that felt authentic. Working with Sam as my career coach changed that. Through her MAP Process, which emphasizes deep self-reflection, exploration, and intentional pathfinding, I gained real clarity on what drives me and what kind of work I want to build my career around. That shift in insight made all the difference. This past week, I started my new role at Mighty Union and I genuinely would not be here without the work we did together. If you’re a student or early-career professional looking to break into advertising or another creative field, I highly recommend working with Sam. She brings both structure and genuine care to the process, and the clarity you gain from her coaching can truly change the trajectory of your career.”
Daniel Rubin — University of Delaware Class of 2025
Most Early Career Job Searches Look Like This
You’re applying to dozens of roles.
You’re refreshing LinkedIn
You’re rewriting your resume again.
You’re wondering what you’re doing wrong.
❋ Launch Lab is for you if.....
You’re a senior about to graduate
You’re a sophomore or a junior seeking internships
You’re a recent grad feeling stuck
You’re a parent who wants to support your grad to launch
You want structure and accountability
❋ After Launch Lab
You will have a strategic outreach plan to grow your network, recruiter-ready materials, Confidence in interviews and support the whole way through until you land.
❋ A Supportive Space
All cohorts stay together for the duration of the Launch Lab and then graduate into the Bridge Community.
If you want to create a cohort from your school please reach out.
“If you work in advertising and aren’t talking to Sam, you’re missing out. She’s more like an ad world Yoda. Over the years, Sam has helped me land gigs, but more than that, she’s been a sounding board, a trusted advisor, a source of sharp insight, and someone I’ve leaned on for honest advice when I’ve needed it most. She just gets it—the industry, the people, the nuance. Whether you’re job hunting, navigating a tricky professional moment, or just need a smart take on something, Sam is your career’s secret weapon.”
— Steve Fogel Executive Creative Director HighDive NY
"For going on 20 years, Sam has helped me gain clarity, navigate big decisions, and shape the direction of my career. If you're looking for some of the same, I've got three words for you: go see Sam."
— Jon Wagner ECD TBWA/Chiat-Day
"Your Career Compass was an excellent tool in organizing my thoughts and vision for my future. Through weekly calls with Sam, I was able to not only get a clear vision of my big career goals- but also got a step closer each time with calculated action. Her guidance kept me focused and accountable, even when I felt overwhelmed. I absolutely feel more confident in navigating my career path! "
Jake —Syracuse University Class of 2025
"I spent the summer doing coaching with Sam who was thoughtful, empathetic, and helped me understand myself and my values better. She truly has a talent for coaching and created a safe space for me to work through so many things I was struggling with. I’ll be forever greatful for the experience – Thank you Sam!
— Tori Ashton Psychology and Sociology @ Brown University Class of 2027
• 6 Live Weekly Sessions
• Structured Worksheets & Templates
• Small Cohort Experience
• Weekly Implementation Tasks
• Office Hours & Q&A
• Community Support
You will graduate from the Launch Lab with clarity, confidence, momentum and a plan
A Shared Framework. Individual Goals.
Each Launch Lab cohort brings together students at different points in the early-career journey, from internship preparation to full-time job search to post-grad momentum building.
They follow the same structured, recruiter-informed process while pursuing goals unique to their stage.
Different timelines. One intentional path forward.
Week 1
The Recruiter Reset
How recruiters review resumes (7-second scan)
Understanding evidence vs. effort
Introduction to transferable skills
Identifying your core positioning
Week 2
Resume + LinkedIn Overhaul
Theme: Rebuild from a recruiter’s lens
Focus:
Resume rewriting using evidence
Translating experience into transferable skills
Optimizing LinkedIn for search
Leaving breadcrumbs for being found
Week 3
The Adventure Map (Research That Actually Works)
How to research companies properly
Building a target list
Using LinkedIn for people research
Understanding the hidden job market
Analyzing job descriptions like a recruiter
Week 4
Outreach + Networking Strategy
How to request informational interviews
Outreach message templates
Zoom etiquette
Conversation strategy
Turning networking into momentum
Week 5
Interview Prep + Confidence
Theme: Converting conversations into offers
Focus:
Interview prep framework
Story bank creation
Behavioral questions
Thank-you notes
Managing multiple processes
Week 6
Offers, Salary & Job Search Structure
Theme: Closing strong
Focus:
Salary conversation basics
Negotiation mindset
Structuring your weekly job search
Avoiding burnout
Maintaining momentum
Job Search Accelerator for Seniors about to graduate, Recent Grads and Internship Seekers
*Choose the Cohort that best supports your timeline and goals*
The Spring Cohort — Build Momentum Before Internship + Full-Time Recruiting
Program Dates:
March 23, 30 & April 13, 20, 27, May 4
Enrollment Closes: March 16
Spots Limited to: 8
Why this matters:
Most internships and early full-time recruiting begin in late spring. This cohort helps you get ahead with strategy, targeting, and recruiter-ready materials before the busiest hiring window starts.
🟡 Best for: Juniors seeking internships, seniors preparing for full-time search, recent grads who want to reboot their momentum.
Build clarity and traction now.
The Summer Cohort — Strategize & Position Before Fall Recruiting Begins
Program Dates:
June 8, 15, 22, 29 & July 6, 13
Enrollment Closes: June 1
Spots Limited to: 8
Why this matters:
Many students hit a lull in summer, but this is the perfect time to build strategy before the fall recruiting cycle kicks in. Get your positioning, resume, LinkedIn, and networking rhythm locked in early.
🟡 Best for: Recent grads without offers, juniors prepping for internships next fall, students who want a strong foundation before the chaos starts.
Use summer strategically, don’t fall behind before fall even begins.
The Fall Cohort — Real-Time Support During Peak Recruiting Season
Program Dates:
September 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9
Enrollment Closes: September 20
Spots Limited to: 8
Why this matters:
The fall is the largest recruiting season of the year. From internships to full-time roles, this is when companies are actively interviewing and extending offers. This cohort gives you the structure and support you need in real time.
🟡 Best for: Seniors actively interviewing, juniors pursuing competitive internships, recent grads reinvigorating their search.
👉 Don’t navigate the fall scramble alone get supported with strategy and execution.
The Winter Cohort — The Strategic Reset Before Spring Recruiting
Program Dates:
January 25, Feb 1 -22 & March 1st
Enrollment Closes: January 18th
Spots Limited to: 8
Why this matters:
Winter is when most students feel stuck.
Fall recruiting may not have gone as planned.
Internship outreach hasn’t started.
Graduation feels closer.
This cohort gives you structured, recruiter-led support before spring hiring accelerates.
Instead of scrambling in March, you’ll enter spring with:
Outreach already in motion, Momentum not panic.
🟡 Best for:
Seniors who didn’t land a fall offer
Juniors preparing for spring internship recruiting
Recent grads who need a structured reset
👉 Don’t enter spring behind. Use winter to rebuild strategically.
🟩 2026 – Founding Cohort
$399
For the inaugural cohort, tuition is offered at a one-time founding rate.
Why the Founding Rate?
The first cohort is a true partnership. You will help shape and refine the live experience. In exchange for thoughtful participation and feedback, founding members receive the lowest tuition this program will offer.
👉 Seats are intentionally limited to 8 to keep feedback and the experience direct and personalized.
🟦 Standard Tuition
$999 (Future Cohorts)
The Launch Labs are structured, recruiter-informed, 6-session Pathfinding program designed to help creative seniors enter the job market with an active network, clarity, positioning, and momentum.
This is not generic career advice. It’s a guided execution sprint built from 20 years inside the hiring process with top agencies.
Future cohorts will enroll at the standard tuition of $999.00
March 23rd Kickoff | Only [8] Founding Seats Remaining
Looking for a more bespoke experience? If you prefer to move through the MAP framework on your own timeline with 1:1 attention on your specific goals and narrative, Private Coaching is available. We can fast-track the foundation and focus exclusively on your unique goals.
The calendar is the one thing we can’t negotiate. Most professional programs offer "next season," but graduation and internships happen once. By the time the next cohort opens, this 6 session window will have closed. The Founding Cohort is the only time this recruiter-led strategy will align perfectly with your transition into the industry. Don't wait for the "scramble" in June—let’s start the sprint in March
Your Questions, Answered
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You are in the right place! This is a very common starting place. I have developed an additional program and coaching to help you clarify your career goals.
To gain some clarity I recommend doing the 2 Week Clarity Lab first
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Every live session is recorded. You can watch the replay, complete the workbook exercises, and then bring your specific questions to our next live session.
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No. Not all career paths require one. But if yours does, this is actually the best time to join. Most students wait until their portfolio is "perfect" only to realize their narrative is missing. We audit your work as it is and give you a roadmap for what’s missing, so you aren't wasting time building pieces that won't help you get hired.
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Yes. The MAP framework is built on recruiter-informed strategies that apply to Art Directors, Copywriters, Designers, Strategists, film makers, Artists,Account Managers. and more. If you are looking to enter the creative industry, the "Recruiter Lens" we use is universal.
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You move into The Bridge. You’ve built your foundation; now you need to keep your momentum. The Bridge provides the monthly live check-ins and guest industry sessions that keep you on track throughout the rest of your academic year for a monthly membership fee.
What happens after you complete your Launch Lab?
🟡The Bridge: Your Strategic Safety Net
One Program. Ongoing Support.
Join our mentorship circle.
For $50/month, The Bridge is where we stay in the work together offering live troubleshooting, insider access, and community support as you navigate the in-between.
This is the year-round space for students and grads who have the foundation and are actively executing.
Inside The Bridge:
Monthly Mentorship Circle
60-minute live group coaching to troubleshoot your active search in real time, interviews, outreach, strategy pivots.Monthly Recruiter Lens Guest Series
Live Q&As with Creative Directors, recruiters, and strategists sharing what they’re actually looking for right now.Application & Outreach Feedback
Real-time support on what’s working, what’s not, and how to adjust based on market response.Peer Network
A curated circle of ambitious creatives sharing feedback, and momentum.The “Until You Land” Community
The search doesn’t end when a 6-week program does. The Bridge stays open year-round (including summer) so you’re supported until you sign your offer and beyond.
The Clarity Lab
For Early Career Seekers Who Need Direction Before They Launch.
Maybe you studied music or english or philosophy or perhaps cultural anthropology or psychology. You know you want to do something in a creative field, but you are unsure what that is.
This is a 2-Week Exploration Sprint for Early Career Seekers
A focused, structured experience designed to help you move from
“I have no idea what I want to do”
to
“I have 2–3 clear directions to explore.”
This is tactical clarity.For early career seekers who aren’t sure what career they are seeking.
A 2-Week Clarity Experience for Early Career Seekers
Instead of asking, “What job should I get?” we start with better questions:
What strengths do I naturally use?
What kind of work energizes me?
What environments help me thrive?
What actually matters to me right now?
Through guided reflection and structured exercises, you’ll build self-awareness, separate outside pressure from your own preferences, and leave with 2–3 clear directions to explore.
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“If you work in advertising and aren’t talking to Sam, you’re missing out. She’s not just an incredible recruiter, she’s more like an ad world Yoda. Over the years, Sam has helped me land gigs, but more than that, she’s been a sounding board, a trusted advisor, a source of sharp insight, and someone I’ve leaned on for honest advice when I’ve needed it most. She just gets it—the industry, the people, the nuance. Whether you’re job hunting, navigating a tricky professional moment, or just need a smart take on something, Sam is your career’s secret weapon.” Steve Fogel Group Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy
Steve Fogel Group Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy
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"Sam and I met back when I was recruiting for an agency and she was an external headhunter. I instantly connected with her because she was genuine, a great listener, had great taste and always supplied candidates that were a great fit. Sam was never trying to "make the placement", she was genuinely interested in the needs of the agency and also the career trajectory of the candidate. That was her sweet spot and what makes her so good at her job - truly helping the candidate figure out what their best career move is and then helping them land it. Sam is incredibly connected and has excellent judgment in helping people determine their superpower and position their skills to land their dream job. I trust Sam's taste, advice and heart.” implicitly."
Amy Starkman Global Talent Operations Director at Wieden + Kennedy
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"For going on 20 years, Sam has helped me gain clarity, navigate big decisions, and shape the direction of my career. If you're looking for some of the same, I've got three words for you: go see Sam." Jon Wagner ECD TBWA/Chiat-Day
Jon Wagner ECD TBWA/Chiat-Day
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"I love Sam because I trust Sam. She has always picked up the phone when I call, and she always tells me the truth but in a way that we both end up laughing together. At every pivotal moment, transition, move, promotion in my career I've had Sam in my ear, brain and heart.”
Tim Roan - Former Chief Creative Officer, McGarrah Jessee
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“Sam found my book in the most unorthodox of ways. She recognized potential and talent in me as a junior creative coming from a smaller shop with not a ton of produced work that really felt representative of my capabilities as a creative copywriter. Not only did Sam help me land two job offers in a tough industry to break into, but she became my go-to when I needed career advice over the years. Though it wasn't her official job at the time, Sam was a personal career coach to me as I received other offers and worked out how to navigate the advertising industry as a whole. Unlike many recruiters I'd worked with, I never felt that Sam's advice was self-serving. She nudged me in the direction that she knew would be best for me, not the one that would land her a bigger bonus check. We'd all be lucky to have someone looking out for us as much as Sam looks out for her creatives.” Hallie Cain Associate Creative Director / Copy at BBDO New York
Hallie Cain Associate Creative Director / Copy at BBDO New York
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"Sam tactfully identified areas of improvement to help optimize my job search and increase visibility. I was told I was not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the transition from education to work.” ."
Jillian — Ithaca College
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"Sam is thoughtful, knowledgeable, and kind. Her expertise is beyond helpful in navigating the world of creative careers (and even that sounds like an understatement!) Anybody would be lucky to learn from her and acquire skills that are valuable not just for recent grads but for life". Emily Powers ‘24 Parsons
Emily —Parsons
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"Working with Sam has been an incredible experience throughout my job search journey! Her support, advice, and genuine interest in my career aspirations made all the difference. Sam's ability to understand my strengths and match them with the right opportunities was invaluable. They not only provided guidance every step of the way but also instilled confidence in me during the process."
Bella — Sarah Lawrence
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"Your Career Compass was an excellent tool in organizing my thoughts and vision for my future. Through weekly calls with Sam, I was able to not only get a clear vision of my big career goals- but also got a step closer each time with calculated action. Her guidance kept me focused and accountable, even when I felt overwhelmed. I absolutely feel more confident in navigating my career path! "
Jake —Syracuse University
Have questions? I want you to feel completely comfortable with the program and your decision.