Learning curves of the advertising industry

So it only recently dawned on me that we have been out of University and in the industry of advertising for nearly a year now and I can't help thinking we've learnt a hell of a lot in that time.
I thought it would hopefully be useful to people now approaching the end of their university courses for a few insights into the industry from a fellow graduate.

As soon as you are in an agency, prepare to learn and prepare yourself to learn pretty damn fast, there's so much more to learn now you're out in the real world.

Clients.
Yes they can be fickle, awkward and sometimes not even 'get' your ideas but they have every right to be cautious, they are spending a lot of money on your ideas and whatever they choose to go with has the potential to really influence how people perceive their brand, that is why everything seems to take so much longer than you could imagine.

Creative Directors.
Not as scary as you'd think. They are just everyday people with admirable backgrounds, if you treat them with the respect they deserve and show your commitment to advertising you should do just fine. Work super hard and you should impress.

Colleagues.
Wherever you go, make sure you socialise, yes you need to work your arse off but you'll easily blend into the background and go unnoticed it you don't get to know your colleagues, it's also worth baring in mind, placements are temporary - if you make a handful of friends, chances are they will all know others in the business and you're going to be considered all the more from a recommendation.

Budgets.
Sadly some TV budgets are quite restrictive, we had an idea that our CD's and client loved but it wasn't affordable, by the time we'd almost made it affordable it just wasn't the same idea, try not to let budgets restrict you but always keep a logical mindset on what's possible for the money.

Work hard.
Just in case you hadn't got this message yet, work hard. If possible don't get a part time job because simply put, that time and effort will pay off more if you invest it into your chosen career. Plus it will naturally make you even more determined to succeed.

That's my words of wisdom currently, hope some of it helps.