Real Life Experience at a Real Life Advertising Agency
Do you want to receive hands-on experience by working with a Pittsburgh advertising agency on a real-world project, with a local non-profit organization? thePitch places student teams at advertising agencies across Pittsburgh and offers the hands-on opportunity to pitch a real marketing plan to a real non-profit organization.
What is thePitch?
thePitch is a one day competition focused on advertising and its associated disciplines. You will receive hands-on experience by working at a Pittsburgh advertising agency on a real-world project with a local non-profit organization.
Who should register?
YOU… if you are a college Junior or Senior interested in the field of advertising and its related disciplines (creative, consumer research, brand strategy, media planning, account management, etc.). The cost is $40 per student and includes lunch and an invaluable experience. Registration is on a first come (and paid), first served. Registration closes when we’re at capacity.
How does thePitch work?
On Friday, October 3, 2025 you will work on one of several teams to address a client challenge. About a week before the event you will be assigned (via the email address you provide on the application form) to an agency and given more details about the day.
What agencies are participating?
This year’s agencies to be announced soon.
Why do you need to participate?
thePitch is intensive, real world, and really cool. You will gain invaluable insight into the advertising world and its work while gaining access to a top Pittsburgh agency and its ad professionals. You will build your resume, professional portfolio, and contacts while doing something that will help you determine if this field is right for you.
What’s in it for you?
• American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Student Membership
• Exposure to agency setting and to agency personnel
• Goodie Bag
What happens if your team wins the competition?
Winning team members are entitled to:
• Public recognition at Pittsburgh American Advertising Awards Gala in Spring 2026 (one ticket per person, date: TBD)
• Resume review by industry professionals, followed by resume distribution to the entire American Advertising Federation Pittsburgh Board of Directors for potential future employment consideration.
• Possible execution of concepts by the client.
• Best of all – Bragging rights!
What’s the schedule?
You will need to be onsite at your assigned agency by 9 a.m. for an agency tour and an introduction to your client’s challenge. The day ends at 5:30 p.m. A more detailed schedule will come with your registration confirmation.
Attire?
Business casual. This can include blue jeans—without holes. No hats. The key? Be professional.
The AAF Pittsburgh Education Committee is thrilled to share the winner of the 2024 thePitch Competition is Fifth Influence! South Hills Interfaith Movement supplied the marketing challenge, Brunner, Fifth Influence, Gatesman, and Tonic by Highmark Health all hosted teams and many mentors generously stepped up to guide the student teams. SHIM found elements from every proposal that they’ll be able to use but ultimately found that Fifth Influence’s work was the strongest. Congratulations and Thank You to everyone that participated.
Thank you to everyone who helped make thePitch 2023 a success. We were thrilled to partner with the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation to help them create a theme and raise their social media presence. Three teams offered exceptional ideas and the client was pressed to select the winner. The winning team’s SWOT Analysis, understanding of Hugh Lane’s audiences, style choices, and event ideas are just a handful of things that put Team Fifth Influence at the top of the list this year.
