Meet Sarah Yadidian, a Miami Ad School Online alum whose journey proves that creativity, persistence, and passion can open doors to massive opportunities. She didn’t just land two rounds of practical experience at McCann Paris—she also scored a dream role as a brand designer for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Sarah’s story begins in Los Angeles, where she grew up immersed in sports, thanks to her two older brothers and a household tuned to ESPN 24/7. After earning a BBA in Marketing and a BS in French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she realized she wanted to explore the more creative side of marketing—so she turned to Miami Ad School Online.

“It’s so interesting to go through the transformation from being just a graduate to now calling myself a creative and a designer, even an art director,”  Sarah says.

Despite skepticism some might have about online programs, Sarah thrived. She landed two opportunities to gain practical experience with McCann Paris—a rare achievement for a design student—and credits her success to adaptability, self-advocacy, and putting her personal stamp on her portfolio.

Her big break came just one hour before graduation. A recruiter from On Location, a sports-focused agency part of Endeavor, called to offer her a brand designer position for the FIFA World Cup 2026 project.

“I was pacing back and forth, nervous, but excited. When she said the words, ‘I have good news,’ it felt surreal,” she recalls.

Sarah emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support. Her mentor, Hank Richardson (a MAS OG), guided her through the application process and cheered her on every step of the way, helping her turn opportunities into career milestones.

For aspiring creatives, Sarah shares invaluable advice:

• Trust your gut: Choose the learning environment that suits you best, whether in-person or online.

   

• Advocate for yourself: Don’t wait for opportunities—seek them out and take initiative.

   

• Embrace feedback: Learning to implement critique separates good creatives from great ones.

   

• Stay flexible: Opportunities often come in unexpected ways.

   

Now, Sarah is stepping into the world of sports marketing and experiential design with FIFA, working on projects that bring live events and stadium experiences to life.

“I’m excited to work alongside people I like, create hands-on experiences, and see my designs come to life at stadiums worldwide,” she says.

Want to see Sarah’s work or connect with her? Check out her portfolio at SarahYadidian.com or find her on LinkedIn! 

Sarah’s journey is a perfect example of how Miami Ad School Online empowers students to turn passion into career-defining experiences, proving that creativity knows no boundaries.