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Parent Department University of Florida

How Failing Fast Helped Me Find My Place at UF

By Jordan Dobish

My first Innovation Academy class was IDS1940 in Spring 2024. Walking in, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. It was also my first in-person class, which made it even more intimidating. But it quickly became one of my favorite classes I’ve taken at UF. In that class, I learned something that stuck with me throughout my entire college experience: learn how to fail fast. And guess what? I’ve discovered I’m really good at failing!

Jordan headshot

If you had told my big-eyed, bushy-tailed high school self that, she probably would have had a panic attack. But I quickly realized the value in it. As my professor Charlie Cummings (who I recommend to all the IA freshmen) taught us, in order to succeed, you have to fail. It can take 50 ideas just to land on one worth pursuing. The more you fail, the more you learn, adapt, and get closer to a real solution. The mindset that failing teaches resilience and perseverance has carried me through everything I’ve done at UF.

Which leads me to my second point: closed mouths don’t get fed. If you want something, you have to go after it, relentlessly. Be like a dog with a bone.

My sophomore year, I found myself doing what a lot of students do: comparing myself to others. I kept applying to organizations and jobs and getting rejected, while it seemed like everyone around me was landing opportunities. It was frustrating. But I realized something important, you have to be annoyingly persistent. You can’t just apply and hope for the best. You have to show up, introduce yourself, and make it known that you’re passionate. Meet the people in the organizations or roles you’re interested in. Ask questions. Show genuine curiosity. Be present.

As an advertising major trying to break into the industry, I made it a point to attend every Ad Council panel or workshop I could, just to introduce myself and start building connections. I had been so scared of rejection for such a long time that I didn’t even want to apply because I assumed I wouldn’t get in. So, I pushed myself. I applied to six different organizations and one freelance graphic design position, and got all seven.

The difference? I didn’t just apply. I followed up. I talked to the leadership. I asked how I could contribute, where I could fit, and what I needed to improve on. I made myself visible.

Now, I serve as the Graphic Designer for advnt, Media Director for Elevate, Vice President of Internal Affairs for Ad Society, as well as an Innovation Academy Ambassador and Technical Assistant. None of that would have been possible without embracing failure and being persistent in sharing my passion.

Which brings me to my third point: show face. Or, as professionals like to call it…network, network, network. I wouldn’t have landed my first internship or any of my positions without intentionally building relationships. Talk to your professors after class. Go to office hours. Connect what you’re learning to what you’re passionate about. Ask thoughtful questions. Join organizations that align with your interests and ask how to get involved. In my experience, especially within the College of Journalism and Communications, people are more connected than you think. When you consistently show up and build relationships, people start to recognize you. And when opportunities come up, they might just think of you.

At the end of the day, we all know how much “who you know” matters. But beyond that, college can feel overwhelming and even lonely at times. Building relationships not only helps professionally, but it also makes your experience so much more meaningful when you have like-minded people in your corner.

To wrap everything up in a nice bow: it’s okay to fail, in fact, I encourage it. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and start building relationships as early as you can.

And a few pieces of advice while I have you: 

  • Be curious. Never stop asking questions.
  • Be annoyingly persistent and don’t give up. Every “no” is fuel to try again.
  • Be your own biggest cheerleader. Sometimes you’re the only one who can push yourself to apply for that next opportunity or get through a tough class.
  • Apply for the Innovation Academy internship program. It’s an underutilized resource. It gave me my first marketing internship as a sophomore, and it was an incredible experience.
  • Go to office hours (and not just because I’m an IA TA). The people leading these classes are incredibly knowledgeable and want to help you succeed.
  • Talk to your IA Ambassadors. Ask questions about classes, involvement, or even just navigating campus. They’re there for you.
  • Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. You are here for a reason. Apply for things even if you don’t feel “ready.” Passion and willingness to learn go a long way.
  • Stay organized. A consistent sleep schedule and tools like Google Calendar will save you when things get overwhelming.
  • Most importantly, enjoy it. UF is an incredible school, and IA is a program that genuinely wants to see you succeed. Work hard but still make sure you’re having fun too. These really are some of the best years of your life.


Go Gators 💙🐊