McCanners of New York: Grace Szczupak
Welcome to 'McCanners of New York', a series that delves into the lives of the talent behind McCann New York's greatest work. Featuring employees across departments and various roles, this series is an exploration of their personal stories, side-hustles, passions and the projects they cherish.
'McCanners of New York' offers a glimpse into the lives of these talented advertisers, showcasing both their professional and personal journeys.
In this edition, we’re getting to know Grace Szczupak, account supervisor.
Q> Why did you decide to pursue a career in Advertising?
Grace> I always had a passion for the creative side of CPG advertising, and I remember at the start of my career I was pushed in the direction of pharmaceutical advertising at first and realised QUICKLY that I wanted to be in consumer product goods moving forward. I wanted to be working on products and items that I used as a consumer myself and knew I would make my way there!
Q> Outside of work, do you have any personal interests or hobbies that you're particularly passionate about? Has this hobby/passion influenced your work in advertising at all?
Grace> A big passion of mine is that I am a bit of a theatre nerd. My dream job before the pandemic hit was working at a Broadway advertising agency, which I did for a while. The two big shows I over-saw at the time were Beetlejuice and Hades Town and it was like a dream come true. I am so grateful that theatre has picked back up again and that the success of some of the current shows on Broadway continues to gain the recognition that they deserve.
Q> Can you share a project or campaign you've worked on that you're particularly proud of?
Grace> At McCann one of the projects, I was looped into after I came back from some unexpected time off was the Mucinex DoorDash Partnership work we did in 2023. I had never worked with such a huge brand like DoorDash before and for a company/app I really used daily. It was a creative and fantastic spot, and I was simply happy to help lead from the Account side on this.
Q> What advice would you give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in advertising, especially at a large agency like McCann?
Grace> The advice I would give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in advertising would be to never give up or even be a little intimidated by a large agency. I think when I started out in my career, I was sometimes nervous I would never get where I wanted to be or make it within a large established community, but honestly McCann changed my life, and it has been the most amazing experience I have ever had. I think going for what you want and applying to a position or area that really sparks your interest is the most important thing you can do. Although I am on the Account side of the work here, I do feel like my creative abilities have been used here and make me feel included in the work that the world gets to see.
Q> What is your favourite area in NYC and why?
Grace> Oh this is hard since I was a little bit of a New Yorker for a few years when I was in college and then after I graduated, but I would say the Upper East side will always have a special place in my heart, I had fun living and going to school in that area and still love it now even to this day.
Q> If you could recommend one hidden gem in NYC that not many people know about, what would it be?
Grace> Another great question - I will say a GREAT night out spot that I did not even know existed, but I was so thrilled I found it for my 30th was Bar Nine on the west side. It is NYC's alleged original duelling pianos bar, and it did not disappoint. It is small but it is truly an amazing time could not recommend it more.
