What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?

My typical Thursday begins with two-three snoozes on the alarm clock depending on a series of factors ranging from the time I finally crawled into bed to the weather and even my cat, who can sense that I’m awake and is seeking some much needed attention. I usually hop in the shower then spend the next 10 minutes contemplating my wardrobe for style, functionality, and client-appropriateness (not always in that order). I then realize that if I don’t leave in the next 5 minutes I’m going to be late so a little eyeliner and some bronzer work wonders as I dash out the door.  On the rare occasion when I’ve snoozed my alarm clock only once, I’ll take the care to apply makeup and perhaps fix my crazy hair in a way that mildly resembles a young professional.  

While driving I flip between several stations trying to catch up on the news, daily traffic and easy rock, finally settling for an old CD or my French Tapes. Yes, I’ve decided that I need to speak four languages by the time I leave this earth. Pulling into the parking lot I realize that I’m starving and so I plan the most efficient way to grab a tea and some oatmeal which I always keep stashed in my desk and get my computer all set up so that I can eat and check my email at the same time.  

There’s always this little tingle of anticipation when the emails start trickling in. I watch for the red exclamation marks indicating urgency, key names of people I’d rather not deal with first thing in the morning and the general slew of internal company updates and the like. Then the day begins by checking my handy to-do list, looking at scheduled meetings and prepping for the inevitable – cancelled meeting, changing timelines, new meetings, urgent requests and lots of tea, which always makes the day better. One of my teammates or colleagues will normally walk by and friendly banter or girl-talk will ensue. I work with an amazing group of women and no day goes by where I don’t learn something (non-work related) that I didn’t know before. Not to mention the massive amount of new information that I suck from them on a daily basis with respect to clients, the business and the industry.  

Thursdays are my team’s internal status meeting days. I really enjoy this time. We first meet with our extended team including an art director, production manager, studio traffic manager and a few other colleagues. Once they’re filled in on new developments, they leave the meeting and we continue with our own updates. The conversation inevitably sways towards one of our lives or some strange current event. The meeting almost always runs late and after a few phone calls and emails I do my best to squeeze in a lunch that does not include the laptop as my companion. The day usually ends later than planned but as it is known in the industry, agency hours are unpredictable and I do my best to finish everything on my to-do list and prep for the following day with a to-do list. Did I mention I make a lot of to-do lists! 

What was your first job out of school?

I suppose this is my first “out-of-university-with-diploma-in-hand-and-bright-eyed-optimism” job. However, I’ve worked several short-term contracts and had a student franchise in my second year of university, which turned into one of the most difficult and satisfying professional experiences to date.  

What are the three skills you require most to do your job well?

  • Organizational skills – Plans and schedules change so the only thing you can do is rearrange everything that is in your power and learn to deal with the rest. Everyone has different methods but I believe that if my plans are down on paper, they’re not in my mind allowing me to use my mind for more immediate matters. I use several methods of organization but it’s finding one that works for you and sticking to it that I believe is the key to success.
  • Attention to detail – We deal with so many pieces of the puzzle at once that maintaining the highest standard of quality is imperative. Re-reading emails, checking size specs on printer proofs, and maintaining brand logo standards is only the tip of the iceberg. The details give me pride in my work and show the client that I care and go beyond to make sure that they have nothing to worry about.
  • Strong inter-personal and communication skills – The ability to express yourself, whether written or spoken, is absolutely essential. Without it, you can have the greatest ideas, intentions, solutions but none of them will help you or your clients if you can’t articulate yourself.

 

What do you love most about your career?

I don’t know if I’m at a point in my career where I can answer this question. I’ve just begun and everything is new and exciting. I’m very optimistic about the future but if I had to think of one thing that I love the most it would have to be the number of directions and possibilities that one can pursue when working in the industry.  

If a woman wanted to get into the business, what are you recommendations of how they should start?

I believe that women (and I realize that this is a generalization) have great instincts. Some refer to these as a women’s intuition – It’s that feeling you get when you know something but can’t explain it. I would recommend that you never lose sight of your instincts – these are your greatest weapons…or so I’ve learned. That said, feeling around for a type of agency that suits your personality, work ethic and interests is crucial. In terms of education, there is no specific background that makes a winning account coordinator/manager/supervisor/etc however I believe that having business knowledge helps. 

Do you have any warnings?

I’m too ripe to have warnings. However, if I had to pick one it would be to keep a solid work-life balance.  

If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?

One of my greatest passions has always been dancing, more specifically Ballroom and Latin dancing. I competed for a few years when I was younger and always wondered what would have happened if I had started as a child and continued on to make it a career. I’d love to compete on an international level and perhaps have a stint on dancing with the stars (as the professional of course).