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Marisa is the Head of Marketing, Revlon Prestige
1. Why did you choose advertising/marketing as a career path?
The marketing chapter jumped out at me from the pages of my Year 11 business study textbook, I loved the consumer behaviour behind it, the case studies from incredible companies and the mix of creative fun along with driving business results.
2. What's the best advice you'd give to your younger self who's just started their career?
This is just the beginning. All the lessons you learn will make you a stronger and better leader. Keep your head up and remember to apply the lessons you have learnt.
3. What do you look for when hiring young people?
Passion! Why do you want a job at the company you are interviewing with? Tell a personal story that ties back to the company. Show that you have done your research on the brand, give your thoughts on what you love and even how you would contribute to growth.
4. How do I make my resume stand out?
Make it fun and personalise it! Colour, photo, caption, motto, your driving force... help us understand who you are and what you love.
5. What skills have been most beneficial for you?
Communication skills are crucial. In marketing you need to be able to effectively communicate your message in an engaging way to bring people on the journey. The people may be retailers you are trying to convince to take your products, internal stakeholders to get your products delivered on time, working with your agencies in order to get a groundbreaking campaign off the ground or sharing your strategy with 300 people at a company conference. The more you practice the better you become and there are some great speakers you can learn from in this space too.
6. Do you need a degree?
Not crucial. If you do not get a degree, it is important to have some tertiary education in marketing to understand the frameworks. Everything else you will learn on the job. It does help to secure the interview (because the market is so competitive) however I have worked with some brilliant, ambitious, intelligent marketers who did not have a degree.
7. What was a key lesson you learnt in your career to date?
Be yourself, there is no one better. Don't try and mimic anyone else or any other style.
8. Have your reasons for joining the industry changed over time?
Nope. Consumer behaviour still fascinates me.
9. Have you ever failed? How did you react?
Yes. Learn from these mistakes. Pause and ask yourself why you feel the way you feel and how you could have done things differently. Then make it your mission to hold yourself accountable and not do it again.
10. If you had the chance to re-do your career knowing what you know now, what would you do differently?
Nothing. Learn from everything. It shapes the person you become.