Meet the Iowa State alum who made Forbes’ 30 under 30 list

‘Everyone needs to make Es Tas cool again. Taco Tuesday is where it’s at’

What does it really take to be successful? Is it your awesome resume or the 10 clubs you joined? If you are having a mid-school crisis about what you are going to do once real life begins after graduation, just breath and read this article. Ty Stafford, an Iowa State alum was in your position not too long ago. He shed some light on what the real world is like and how to be you version of successful.

Ty recently landed the Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. That’s a pretty big deal if you aren’t familiar with the prestigious title. He graduated from our very own alma mater, Iowa State in 2011. Currently Ty is a senior consultant at a very successful advertising company located in Venice Beach. He and his team work closely with clients like Nike and Nickelodeon. While Ty is basically the clear-cut image of what it is to be successful, the path he took may be different than you think. I was lucky enough to cop an interview with this incredible Iowa State alumni and see what it really takes to be successful.

We want to know who were you in college? The frat daddy, the nerd, who knows?

I really considered myself to be a floater. I felt I was accepted into a lot of different groups while not perfectly fitting into them. I really loved theater, but I also was down for some intense partying.

Tell me a little bit about your experiences (jobs, internships, mentors) leading up to your current position.

When I was a sophomore in college I sent in videos to every talk show to try and land an internship. The people at Jimmy Kimmel responded, so I spent my summer into junior year in California interning for Jimmy Kimmel. I didn’t have another internship after that because I was really trying to focus on my Youtube channel. I won a contest put on by Ford Global Test during my time at school. My video about why Dance Marathon was such an important program received the most votes and Ford donated $10,000 to the program. You gotta be doing stuff outside of what’s required of you, something that you are passionate about and fun.

What did you have to really focus on when you were in college to achieve the 30 under 30 title?

I am so incredibly honored to receive such a title, but it was never really on my radar. I was honestly very surprised to be nominated. When I went to the summit for this award, the people there only gave a shit about climbing the ladder. That’s not what I want to be about. If you are just chasing a title or this idea of success, once you get it, then what? You’ll be bummed nothing happens. Chasing these successes or shit like that I imagine ends up being disappointing. Chasing opportunities is something that is like a lot more fun way and there is no end to it.

What do you have to do when you are in school to insure success after graduation?

When you’re in college is when you create your own success – it’s only going to get harder when you get out of school. Make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities when you are in school.

How did your Youtube channel you created in college help your career?

I love that it is something I own and a place I’m able to show my work. I was so fortunate there was an audience that actually gave a shit about my passion. Beyond that, I think the take away is about risk taking and social risk taking.  If I put myself out there then someone is going to judge me. You are just judging yourself, you are your hardest judge. The stakes are so low, no one is looking at you, and no one cares. If they do care, be the first laugh about it… the risks are so low. By putting yourself out there, you are going to end up finding yourself.

Can you tell me the most difficult lesson you have learned on your journey to the top? Most valuable?

I had amazing teams helping me achieve just about all of my goals. I find it very rewarding for myself and my teammates to provide constant affirmation. It’s sort of my love language.  Giving credit where credit is due goes a long way. Try to foster other people’s talents instead of showing off your on skills, your skills are going to shine through your work. One of the most important lessons I have learned actually is tattooed on my body. It’s basically my dad’s slogan – every time you say you are going to do something you have to do it. This slogan goes for your professional life and your social life. I find that I constantly struggle with my say to do ratio, that’s why I got the tattoo, to have it as a daily reminder. Your word is really the only thing you have, and sometimes it is okay to say no.

Down to the real business, The Tab wants to know what is your fav drunk food?

Superdog for sure – mad props to those dudes that stand out in the middle of winter.

What are some of your favorite memories at Iowa State?

For sure the underground tunnels – they are real. There is an issue of the Iowa State Daily with my named signed on it somewhere in the tunnels. Also screwing around in the fountains was always fun, just make sure you get out before the cops come. I’m actually coming back to Ames to accept the Alumni of the Year Award in October, I can’t wait to take my girlfriend campaniling of course.

Finally, what advice do you have for your fellow Iowa State students?

Iowa State gives you the opportunities and you need to make your own opportunities. Create some responsibility for yourself. Have some stake in quote on quote the game you’re playing. And everyone needs to make Es Tas cool again. Taco Tuesday is where it’s at.

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