Building a Career That Lasts: Advice from Advertising Alum, Mike Sheldon
Former Deutsch LA CEO shares why in-person connections, continuous learning and authenticity still define success in an evolving industry
By: Nicole Jolley
For Mike Sheldon, building a meaningful career in advertising comes down to something surprisingly simple: showing up. The Michigan State University alum and longtime former CEO of Deutsch LA (link here) believes that even as AI, remote work and digital disruption reshape the industry, success is still grounded in human connection, curiosity and authenticity.
“So much of business is trust, and trust comes slowly,” Sheldon said. “But it can be sped up by being in person.”
Speaking from experience, after Sheldon graduated from MSU with a degree in advertising, he moved to Los Angeles with a small budget and no guarantees. Over time, he rose to lead one of the most recognized agencies in the country. His perspective offers today’s students a clear roadmap: those just starting out should avoid defaulting to remote work.
“If I were you…I would not work remotely,” Sheldon said. “I would do everything I can to go to the office and find a company that either allows a limited amount of remote work or doesn’t have it at all. So much is learned about the business just by being with other people.”
He notes that before remote work existed, face-to-face interactions with clients and colleagues created stronger relationships and better work. Trust, collaboration and mentorship, he argues, simply can’t be replicated over ZOOM.
Equally essential is the ability to stay curious and continually learn. Sheldon emphasizes the importance of understanding audiences, analyzing competitors and following industry conversations in publications like Ad Age and Adweek to help young professionals develop strategic depth.
That same curiosity, he said, should extend to AI.
“Study the heck out of AI,” Sheldon said. “It’s not replacing your own thinking…it’s enhancing.”
From idea generation to analyzing creative briefs, AI is reshaping workflows, and Sheldon says students who understand how to use it thoughtfully will be ahead of the curve.
ADPR students had the chance to hear Sheldon speak during a lunch Q&A on campus in fall of 2025. His message then was just as clear. Advertising management student, Kyli Corder, stated how the luncheon left her feeling more confident not just in her career path, but in how she wants to lead.
“The line that truly stayed with me was, ‘life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you’ – that reframed adversity for me,” Corder said. “It reminded me that every uncomfortable moment, even the ones that stretch you, is still shaping you.”
For students entering a fast-moving industry, his advice is steady and clear: show up, stay engaged and trust that the relationships you build will shape a lasting career.
More on Sheldon’s professional work and career can be found on his LinkedIn (link here).
