First Person: John Freeman

I had visions of a day-long, withering critique of my book. The mere idea of it--a portfolio review in New York, attended by brass from coast to coast--it was enough to intimidate Donny Deutsch. Plane tickets, hotel reservations, last minute revisions to my book, and a new set of duds that Hank's personal clothes guy at Joseph Banks helped me pick out, all went into just getting there. (I think Hank was terrified I'd show up in my paint pants or something.)

I arrived the night before the review and spent the evening with another PC writing grad, my friend Craig Moyer, eating gnocci in Little Italy and scoping out the mysterious goings on of China Town. The next morning, he and I went over early to the venue and tried to figure out which of the tables offered the prime strategic real estate for getting maximum exposure to the incoming industry professionals.

We barely had time to set up before they spilled in full force. Like savvy garage sale shoppers, they came early, even before the review was supposed to start. I got a small lump in my throat as I waited for my first encounter. A creative director from a prominent West Coast firm finally sat down with me. He said tersely, "Walk me through your book." It took me a minute to start in; after all it was my first time ever doing this for real.

Yes, I was nervous, but my PC training carried me through. I was surprised by how naturally I could articulate the strategies and processes behind every project. I got excited about them all over again (and enthusiasm looks like confidence, you know). When I was finished, the creative director paused for a minute, made a few smart suggestions, then proclaimed, "This is really exceptional work." I could not believe my ears. This might not be so bad after all.

The day was like that. Even though it was hot and stuffy, and at times we panicked that certain industry reps might miss our table due to the random way they worked the room (and the lure of chocolate freebies offered by one of my classmates), it was a thrilling, inspiring experience.

Representatives from firms as a far away as Los Angeles and Montreal were present, as well as the usual suspects from Madison Avenue. Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret, and Hallmark all added diversity to the mix.

After presenting my book to over 25 industry pros in 8 hours, I felt like an old hand. As PC grads, we had worked so hard, accomplished big things--and now we were seeing it pay off.

I was blown away by the buzz of job opportunities that might be coming my way from the event. I found the feedback priceless, an education in its own right. But more importantly, because of the review, I know I will never again be intimidated when presenting my book.

I cannot speak highly enough of the experience. PC kids, whatever it takes, do not miss this capstone of your schooling when it is your turn to go. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.