Being open minded to marketing lead Angelika Orgacki, Marketing Manager, to leave no stone unturned to continue to grow and learn. Her marketing journey showcases why a learning attitude is a winning one.
I have always had a passion for design and good creativity but never imagine this would lead to marketing. From drawing in my spare time to designing logos for local small businesses and student clubs, I was convinced that I’d become a graphic designer. However, I also knew that I wanted to work with people and be part of the strategy driving the success of the company I work for.
As a result, I ended up enrolling in a business undergraduate program to keep my career prospects open and got drawn into the dynamic and fast-paced world of marketing. While in university I was on a mission to get as much exposure to all things marketing. I joined several student clubs in both marketing and creative roles, interned at an advertising agency, and participated in a marketing-focused work-study program.
When it came time to apply for my first position after graduation, I felt pretty confident that I had the skills and relevant experience employers were looking for. I landed my first job at a family-owned all-natural grocery store where I led many marketing initiatives and provided a wealth of creative solutions for the company’s brand image as they established themselves in the retail grocery sector. Working in a start-up environment allowed me to add considerable value to the company and work closely with both the Director of Marketing and the CEO. Coupling my extracurricular experience and marketing studies with a perfect opportunity to exercise my initiatives first-hand, I jumped forward in my marketing career in a way that prepared me for my future roles to come.
With a strong desire to keep growing as a marketer, I enrolled in the CMA’s Chartered Marketer program which has been an extremely valuable experience so far. The initial prep course refreshed the foundational knowledge I gained in university and the modules continue to challenge the way I approach day-to-day marketing efforts. I’m excited to officially become a Chartered Marketer and look forward to joining the CM community!
My advice to students looking to get into the industry would be to get real-life experience; volunteer, seek relevant summer placements or internships and find mentors! If you come across someone’s career profile that sparks your interest, set up an informational interview or ask to grab a coffee. Growing your network is a must in the marketing industry and never stop learning!
Three core values I think that all marketers should possess include open-mindedness, creativity, and honesty.Marketers need to be willing to try new things and think outside of the box as this can lead to innovation and new ideas. Being curious and open to collaborating with your team can spark creative approaches to problem-solving that otherwise may have been missed. Also, being creative in your marketing strategy while staying honest in your messaging will allow you to position your product or service as something that is not only memorable within the market, but also truly authentic.
To me, success in the industry can be identified in many ways:from working with a team that effortlessly collaborates on creative which results in the delivery of a powerful message, to building a memorable brand that not only speaks to the consumer but also compels them to accept the brand as part of their identity.
Can you really see yourself doing this as a career? Are you even going to be good at it? As you double and triple check your assignment due in an hour, you start to wonder - is this marketing education that you're pursuing – what you want or is it something you think you want? You're taking stock of how things are going in school but more importantly how you feel about it. Suddenly, questions like. 'Is this really where I want to be?' start floating around in your head. You're not sure if something's driving you, but at times it feels like you have more questions than answers.
We know what you're thinking. Your friends are binge-watching another series while you're wondering: Should I be doing something more strategic with my break? The answer? Absolutely.
"In marketing, you can't afford to stand still. Being current isn't a suggestion – it's a lifestyle to achieve success as you continue to evolve and grow." It was a powerful statement – one you agree with to your core. But it sounds stressful, doesn't it? Especially when you don't know where to start.
