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Kate is the Brand Director at Emilia Wickstead
1. Why did you choose advertising/marketing as a career path?
It chose me! I found that my creativity, enjoyment of writing, love of brands, interest in strategy and fascination with pop culture led me to marketing.
2. What's the best advice you'd give to your younger self who's just started their career?
Try to work for your dream brand. Do anything it takes to get a foot in the door; then work hard, prove yourself and more opportunities will start appearing. Starting salary isn't the be all and end all. Early in your career, experience and exposure (over money) is EVERYTHING. If you can't get your foot in the door - do great work that they can't ignore to get their attention.
3. What do you look for when hiring young people?
A great attitude, someone always willing to roll their sleeves up, someone with experience, internships are a plus, curiosity to learn on the go, a good sense of humour.
4. How do I make my resume stand out?
Clear, concise and well presented are hygiene factors, what I'm really looking for is your experience and skills you have identified you learned along the way.
5. What skills have been most beneficial for you?
Being organised, strategic thinking, good written skills, presentation skills, problem solving and being self-motivated.
6. Do you need a degree?
Not at all, some of the best marketers (and business leaders) I've ever worked with don't have a degree. I think completing a degree does, however, add a huge layer of understanding of how the world works, develops your critical thinking and is a great foundation for so many skillsets; that I would recommend doing one. But it's not essential for huge success.
7. What was a key lesson you learnt in your career to date?
Be kind to everyone.
8. Have your reasons for joining the industry changed over time?
I came into the industry via brand strategy and customer research; now I lead 360 marketing activities. There is always more to learn and new ways to market to the customer!
9. Have you ever failed? How did you react?
Of course! Failure is a regular occurrence. A failure can sting in the moment, but it's all about how you dust yourself off and bounce back.
10. If you had the chance to re-do your career knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
I'd do even more internships than I did. It's all about experience.