adspeak

How did you end up in the advertising industry?

 

In college I majored in Marketing but found myself more in the creative side, I was very interested in how campaigns were put together. I really liked marketing, and coming out of school I got an internship at a start up social media company. And it’s there that I got a feel for what advertising was, in a smaller company and where i noticed I enjoyed project management. But I wanted experience in a bigger agency and learn more about the advertising industry. I had friends in agencies and I knew there was a lot of opportunity in agencies. So I messaged a friend who worked at Digitas and was able to arrange a interview and that’s how I got in. One of the main reason I wanted to work in a big agency was felt like there was smart and passionate and driven and go getters here and I kind of feed off of that. I feel like with digitas having 600 people, you're constantly surrounded by different type of work and people. Everyday is very different, not boring and fast space and that’s what I love about agency life

 

What’s the craziest thing that has happened at work?

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I was paired with a account manager who used to be a meteorologist on channel 7 news. He had no marketing background and I was so impressed on how he was able to absorb all the information in the agency and not even have a marketing degree. Its was crazy to me that I would watch him on tv and then end up working with him at Digitas.

 

How would you describe your role to someone who has no idea about your position?

 

I get asked this a lot. Project Managers handle the organization of the project and developing the scope (a statement of work) from beginning to the end. Speaking to the client and figuring out with budget and scheduling. Project managers make sure projects are organized and ready to run for the closing project. PM differ from agencies to agencies, here at digitas project managers have more client interactions where in other agencies project managers never really talk to clients. Being a project managers you need to be proactive and for seeing issues and impacts and thinking one step ahead and how all the details will come together. Similar to a wedding planner you work with many different people and help keep everyone on track.

 

What keeps you motivated in your job?

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The people. When one of our staff leaves Digitas, one thing they always say is that they are going to miss the people. Digitas looks for passionate people, and they are really good at growing their people and making them stronger. Being surrounded by such smart and talented people always keeps me motivated to work harder. Another way I stay motivated, is Digitas gives their employees options to move capabilities. There are so many different clients and capabilities and it really lets employees dip their toes in different options and challenge themselves.

 

What has been the biggest contributor to your success?

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My manager. I think a key to being successful in your job is having someone who is your number one cheerleader. And it's important that your manager knows your values and your brand so they can fight for you. It's important to brand yourself and be irreplaceable, your team knowing what you can help and who you are and your values. It is so critical in this field.

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Who is your role model?

 

From an agency standpoint, is Craig Zito. He was my role model even before he was my boss. Everyone loves him and wants him on their teams. He is just a person that always got stuff done. He knows all the connections, and can take any challenge. And every project manager looks up to him, because we all want to be like him.

 

Do you have any advice for people wanting to get into the industry?

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Coming into advertising, it can be overwhelming. It is a fast pace and a lot of work but you can easily adjust and find your role. If you're not sure on what you want, get involved in anything you can. I came in as accounts and now I love project management. There are many personalities in advertising, and you have to be open minded and be like a diplomat. Meet a lot of people and be open minded, your going to be working with so many people, it's important to be open minded so your job can be easier.