My passion for marketing began with a fascination with commercials at a young age. I interned at Junction59 in high school, and later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce. I was attracted to marketing because it combines creativity with strategy and allows you to make meaningful connections between brands and consumers.
Young marketers must develop resilience, creativity, adaptability, and empathy.
Resilience helps you navigate challenges and setbacks.
Creativity drives innovative solutions.
Adaptability ensures flexibility in an ever-changing landscape.
Empathy fosters an understanding of consumer needs and desires.
These values will contribute to your professional success and enable ethical and impactful marketing practices.
To break into the marketing profession, I recognized the importance of speaking up and tactfully voicing my ideas. That was the only way to overcome self-doubt and find my voice in meetings. When transitioning from agency to client-side roles, to adapt to new environments and responsibilities, I sought mentorship and embraced growth opportunities.
I advise marketing students to find their voice early, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and build a strong network of mentors and peers. It's also essential to prioritize self-care, seek diverse experiences, and remain open to continuous learning and growth.
One trend I've noticed in marketing is the increasing emphasis on social responsibility and purpose-driven branding. These days, consumers gravitate toward brands that align with their values and actively contribute to social and environmental causes. This shift necessitates a strategic approach integrating technology with ethical marketing practices to drive positive change.
My proudest moments stem from building meaningful connections with clients, colleagues, and communities through my work and volunteer efforts. I have also successfully led marketing campaigns, won industry awards, and leveraged my experiences to enrich my professional skills.
I credit much of my success to my passion for travel, volunteer work, and exploring diverse interests. These experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective, helping me gain a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it. They have also honed my interpersonal skills and taught me the importance of work-life balance. I believe authenticity, empathy, and a focus on social impact are critical to creating meaningful connections with audiences.
My ideal marketing role involves leveraging technology to drive social change and promote sustainability. I envision collaborating with diverse stakeholders, innovating creative solutions, and positively impacting society while advancing the goals of the brands I represent.
As you look at your phone, you realize that while you're still not sure which one is right for you in the moment, one thing's for sure: you like the idea of being valued for the knowledge you bring. After all, as Francis Bacon once said, "Knowledge is power."
From Old Spice's "I'm a man on a horse" to Connor starring in the Georgetown Hospital Foundation video known as "Lottery girl," Connor discusses how unhinged ideas could become a major success for your brand.
Marketing case competitions will exceed your expectations and open doors you never knew you wanted to walk through. You can become a better marketer by taking a chance now. What are you waiting for?
