The advertising program at the Boston University College of Communication is a professionally oriented major with advertising classes in account management, creative development, digital media and consumer insight. Despite the recession, graduates of the program have succeeded in entering the job market at advertising, social media and digital agencies. This is a direct result of strong mentoring, networking and the building of long lasting relationships between the faculty and alumni. The model for success is combining coursework, networking and events to facilitate securing of entry-level jobs for new graduates. AdLab is the student operated ad agency at Boston University. It is a real agency servicing 25 clients each semester. A student Executive Board leads the other students registered in the course who work as account teams at the agency. The experience in AdLab, combined with internships, prepares students for careers in advertising.  Every year 12 students are selected to visit New York advertising agencies and meet Boston University alumni. Many of the alumni served on the AdLab EBoard and went on the NY trip. This reinforces the connection between current and past students in the ad program. The college also sponsors Adstravaganza, a large event attended by the ad faculty held every spring in NY for the alumni. Mentoring relationships are reinforced on a regular basis.The connection between AdLab and the NY events creates a strong bond linking alumni, students and faculty. This generates ongoing relationships benefiting students in the advertising program and opening the way for entry-level jobs.