The news of corporate marketers tightening budgets trickles down to the advertising agency side as they will respond with reductions and tightening of staff as well. While layoffs in the advertising industry is quite common don't assume that there is no strategy that you should adopt to reduce the risk and maintain your industry brand image.
While some layoffs can not be helped there is still a perception in the industry that those that have experienced a layoff are mediocre or average employees. What I have seen is that the professionals of color tend not to excel or focus on the strategies and tactics necessary to minimize the possibility of a lay off. There are cultural differences when it comes to the approach of work and career (e.g. just there to do my job, don't want to socialize outside of the office, don't want to brag about what I am doing, etc.).
The article featured in Diversity Inc.
5 Ways to Avoid a Layoff provides the main points to consider in building your career regardless of the possibility of a layoff. Take notes and make it a priority.