By Fatima Salinas 

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa offers some of the most unique classes and student opportunities on campus. Among them are experiential learning courses that give students hands-on opportunities in their fields of study. 

These classes allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world settings, helping them build practical skills and prepare for careers after graduation. 

Originating in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Adler Agency stands out as a student-run marketing agency in which students work directly with paying clients and nonprofit organizations. Founded by Professor Jeff Grisamore and Associate Professor Rachel Young, the agency was created to replicate the structure and pace of a professional marketing agency. 

“We want to give students the real-life experience of what it’s like working in an agency,” Grisamore said. 

Students are divided into content teams based on interest and client needs, including podcast production,

social media strategy, explainer videos, and brand storytelling. The structure mirrors Grisamore’s own professional background in agency work, and is intentionally designed to simulate industry standards to set students up for career success.  

“If the client’s business changes, we have to change with it,” Grisamore said. “Sometimes a client can change their direction entirely. Or they can like your work one week and not like it as much the next week. That’s part of the learning process.” 

Since launching two years ago, the Adler Agency has continued to grow. The first semester included one paying client and one nonprofit partner. This semester, the agency is working with three clients (two paying organizations and one nonprofit) supported by about 20 students. 

Students cannot simply register for the course. The agency requires an application and interview process, and leadership positions are typically reserved for seniors with prior experience. 

For many students, the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment while producing professional-level work is one of the most appealing aspects of the course. 

Grace Hecox, a senior majoring in journalism and mass communication, said she first became familiar with the Adler Agency while working on a branding project in a visual branding and design capstone course.

“From this course, I was able to become fully immersed in the brand of the Adler Agency, and became interested in joining,” Hecox said. “Seeing the work and content produced, it was clear that the brand would become something bigger.” 

Hecox said the opportunity to work with real clients and apply the skills she learned in class played a large role in her decision to apply, as well as getting to collaborate with a group of like-minded students.

Collaboration among students is a key component of the agency’s work environment. To Hecox, students bring many interests and creative skills that help strengthen the final work produced for clients. 

“A hands-on approach allows students to take what they’ve learned and put it into practice,” Hecox said. “As students, we are in charge of pitching our ideas to established clients and then executing to produce high-quality, professional content.”

While faculty members provide guidance throughout the semester, much of the creative process is led by students themselves. 

“This allows students to have almost total creative freedom to push the boundaries without the restrictions that a typical class would have,” she said.  

For students pursuing careers in advertising, public relations, or digital marketing, the experience can provide a competitive advantage. In addition to working with real clients, students leave the course with professional pieces for their portfolios and agency experience they can list on their resumes. 

“When they apply for jobs, especially at agencies, they can show real work that they’ve done,” Grisamore said. “Agencies pay attention to that.”

The agency recently launched its website and social media platforms, giving potential employers access to student projects and further strengthening the professional nature of the program.