Job searching is known to be one of the most tedious and frustrating necessities of the career world. Entering or reentering the job force often feels like one is left in the dark with no place to start but a few Google searches and the ad section in the newspaper. To address this possible frustration, One Family Illinois wants their young adults to be prepared to enter the working world. PHMG addressed this need and offered a day of experiential education to teenagers, both showing how jobs can be found through ads and the sounds around us, as well as how those students can recognize their own potential in a future career.
As the world’s leading audio brand agency, PHMG partners with companies to create branded audio clips used for ads, audio messages explaining details on the company, personalized jingles, and more. On August 6, 2019, four One Family Illinois teens were graciously given the opportunity to spend a full day at PHMG’s downtown Chicago office to meet multiple employees, enjoy a lunch and goodies provided by the company, shadow a department of the student’s choice, and create a branded audio clip of their own.
One Family Illinois Youth Embrace the Audio Industry at PHMG
There were nearly visible currents of energy flowing through the brains of the four teens, their eyes wide, full of endless possibilities. However, the teens were not alone in their excitement. On arrival, PHMG employees greeted the teens warmly with a tour; the One Family Illinois teens were able to experience the company’s newest areas first-hand. The atmosphere of the PHMG office on the 25th and 28th floors of the Equitable Building on Michigan Avenue is specifically designed to be a comfortable and inviting space for their invigorated employees.
Subsequent to the tour, the teens had the honor of being introduced to the faces of PHMG. Employees from the Sales departments and Client Management department took time to explain their personal journeys of arriving in their position at PHMG and what exactly they do on a day-to-day basis. This particular exercise was important for the teens on Career Day, as One Family Illinois teens are encouraged to look toward a future career. In doing so, each youth is able to realize their individual skills while simultaneously seeing ways that employees are able to utilize some of those same talents. Noticed by many PHMG employees were the eyes of the students, gleaming as they contemplated their futures full of possibilities; “as we spoke about what music they liked and what their interests were, their individual personalities started to emerge through their reaction to the different styles we played,” PHMG employee Ben Backus commented. “It was almost as if the music helped to draw out elements of their personality, and gave them a bit of insight into where they would like to focus their studies in the future.”
Teens Create Branded Company Sounds
An anticipatory buzz filled the air as the Music and Creative Director detailed the process of developing a branded sound for the companies PHMG works with; notable names recognized by the teens. Finally, the long-anticipated wait was over; the teens were given the chance to participate in a workshop, one that follows a process similar to that which a company would go through, to create a branded sound of their own.
The audio clips made by the teens ranged from jazz to funk, all similar to clips companies would use in elevators or on-hold music. The clips were produced by PHMG professionals and were promptly delivered to the students. Wrapping up their opportunity in experiencing PHMG, the students were seemingly optimistic about their futures, satisfied with the art they created, and delighted in their newfound friendship with PHMG employees, solidified through ice cream paired with a lighthearted game of pool against employees in the PHMG Sales department.
Listen to the Teen’s On-Hold Music Creations
Check out of the “on-hold” music that the teens in our care created with their new friends at PHMG!
One Family Illinois’ Larger Commitment to Creative Exploration
This is not the first time One Family Illinois students have had the opportunity to engage with music and its healing effects. Lead singer of One Republic, Zach Filkins, actively engages with One Family Illinois in providing musically engaging workshops with students. Through Filkins’ past workshop, students began to cultivate their abilities in creating different components of a music video including emotions, characters, graphic elements etc. Filkins worked directly with the teenagers, listening to their stories of how music has influenced and strengthened them in times of need. One Family Illinois teens have found music to be an important outlet for emotions and processing; being involved with programs that strengthen knowledge of music is essential in catering to the needs of every student.
Gratitude for PHMG
One Family Illinois offers sincere thanks to our friends at PHMG, particularly to each of the employees who graciously lent their time to the next generation that will soon be asserting their own creativity into the workforce.
Support Creative Development in Youth in Illinois Foster Care
Looking to partner with One Family Illinois in meeting the creative needs of our youth? Excited to host a career day of your own? Connect with us at info@onefamilyillinois.org to let us know of your interests! There is always a way to get involved with our community and inspire the next generation of leaders.