Journal #2
Through reflecting on Blair's presentation, It was great to hear from a fellow Western alumni speak about her career path through digital marketing. She originally worked for a company called Corner Stone that focused on digital marketing and data. Through that role, she was exposed to SEO, LinkedIn adds, and different sides of the business in data management. She then went to KBS Agency where it was a traditional agency that worked in digital print and ads. She realized through this role that she really liked strategy but preferred when the strategy focused on numbers. Through her roles, she was able to take in many different skills which she was ultimately able to take into her current position at Valtech as the Director of Marketing Science. Although her personal background of Western MIT was not technical and data centric, she was able to adapt and learn through each of her roles. Her expectation through her entire career was that it is a non-linear path. She learned a lot from each role which she was able to use to her advantage in her current position.
Although I loved hearing Blair speak about her role within Valtech and thought it was super interesting we both graduated from the same undergrad program at Western, it is ultimately not what I am interested in for my personal career. Her role focused more on data, numbers and business technology. I am looking to create a career with a bit more creativity and focus on beauty and fashion within the public relations/ marketing field.
My questions I prepared for Blair was “what are some tips to help get into the industry of your choice with limited experience?”. Her response that she discussed at the beginning was to reach out to people you know through social media such as LinkedIn and set up virtual coffee chats and networking meetings. She emphasized that you never know who may have a role or connection that could help you propel yourself. My other question I had for her was to explain what marketing science is and the way she defined it is that marketing science is the unification between business and technology and the clients.
I think the main focus I took away from listening to Blair is that every role you do helps you with your next position regardless of what the focus is through that role. Additionally, always put yourself out there because you never know what could come from a meeting or coffee chat. Networking is vital, especially right now in the current job market, and helps you stand out among other candidates.
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