Marketing

What does that job title mean exactly?

When I started my career as an advertising account executive, my role could best be described as a “brand/project leader.” While the primary role of this position is to manage the client relationship, an account executive is really the hub that connects and guides all the disciplines involved in advertising – including strategy, creative, production, budgeting and media. This title means that you are the orchestrator that makes things happen.

Currently, my title is Assistant Director of Marketing at a non-profit organization. My specific role is to ensure that all of our cause-related marketing efforts are fully integrated with digital/social media. On any given day, however, this can have a different meaning. Some days are spent researching the latest trends in social media and cause marketing, and others are spent in meetings discussing creative ways to support our programs. The role requires being acutely attuned to what is happening in the world of social media.

How did you get this gig?

Interview after interview. When I graduated from college, like most recent grads, I had no idea what I wanted to do. My degree in marketing could be applied in many ways, so I interviewed for a bunch of different positions - sales, media planning, brand management and basically anything that sounded somewhat interesting. When I stepped in the door at my first advertising agency, I knew that was where I wanted to be. I felt like myself when I was there, and I was drawn to the energy and passion everyone had. From there, I acquired skills and made connections that led me to my next gig. Working hard and building a strong rapport with colleagues was key to every move I made.

When I made the move to non-profit, the process started with setting up informational interviews. Knowledge is power, and understanding the difference between an advertising and non-profit position allowed me to sell my skills and articulate why I wanted to make the transition. It worked.

Why did you choose to do this to make a living?

Great question. As a marketing major, the type of gig that most interested me was advertising and branding. But I didn’t know that right away. It took countless interviews and a long process of elimination before I finally had the “ah ha” moment. Working in advertising was exciting, challenging, and interesting, but after working at four different agencies (including one of the top agencies in the U.S.), I realized that the culture and the work itself were no longer fulfilling nor fitting with who I was. That’s when I decided to make a transition to non-profit. Working in non-profit has allowed me to keep doing the type of work that interests me for a cause I care about and a culture that better suits my personality. It took me countless interviews, patience and soul-searching, but it was worth all of it. I accepted that salary and prestige were less important than fulfillment and happiness. Transitioning into non-profit was the best decision I ever made.