Role: Account manager
Company: MXB Shopper Marketing Agency
Track Record:
What does your job entail?
Working as an Account Manager, I am the link between mxb and our clients. I am the primary point of contact for our shopping & retail clients and I am responsible for overseeing the delivery of their marketing activities. No two days are ever the same and my job role is exceptionally varied from briefing designers, controlling budgets, brainstorming creative ideas, attending a radio recording, coordinating events and managing digital campaigns.
Is it 9-5?
Strictly speaking no. Working hours depend on what projects are currently live or are coming up. I’m very passionate about what I do and the time of day doesn’t impact my desire to deliver the best job possible for both the client and mxb. At mxb there’s a great team ethos so thankfully it’s very much all hands on deck when deadlines are emerging or when dealing with sudden requests.
How did you get into this line of work?
From a young age I’ve had a passion for business and my earliest memory is from primary school where I was involved in a Young Enterprise initiative. We had to invent and sell our own product and being from Carrickfergus, famous for its Castle which has a well, my team created ‘Carrickfergus Well Water’. I still remember the buzz of being part of a team, generating ideas, designing a logo and deciding where we could sell it. My passion for business continued into grammar school where my favourite subject was Business Studies. When deciding my university course I was unsure what area of business I wanted to specialise in and during my research I stumbled upon the Communication, Advertising and Marketing course at Ulster University. I spoke to my teacher about it as a potential degree option however, he advised me that I probably wouldn’t get accepted as it required three A’s. Thankfully I neglected his recommendation, put it as my first choice, achieved the grades and was accepted onto the course. During my university placement year I undertook a role with Club Marketing Services which focused on direct sales, marketing and advertising design. It was during this time that I realised a career in marketing and advertising was what I wanted to pursue.
Outline your career to date?
I kick started my career as a Marketing and Business Development Executive during my placement year. This provided me with invaluable experience into the marketing world and also working life, helping me to grow and develop both personally and professionally. After graduation, I secured a graduate role within the AV Browne media department where I spent two years learning the media landscape of Ireland and worked across clients such as; Tourism NI, LIDL, The Mac, Hasting Hotels and Absolute Vodka. Being part of a ‘big agency’ meant that my media role was specialised. Being the eager learner that I am, I knew I wanted a more holistic role in order to expand my knowledge and skill set. I joined mxb in January 2015 as a Junior Account Manager in their client services department and have recently been promoted to Account Manager.
Tell us about your qualifications
I graduated from Ulster University with a BSc First Class honours degree in Communication, Advertising and Marketing with a Professional Diploma in Industrial Studies. Since university I’ve obtained a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Digital Marketing Institute and I am planning to hit the books once again as I would love to complete a Masters.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
Professionally I would say you’re required to be organised, be able to work under pressure, have exceptional attention to detail and be a forward thinker. The role and industry are extremely fast paced and demanding and you have to be able to adapt to whatever request may land in your inbox.
From a personal perspective I think you have to be passionate about what you do. The job can be challenging which may lead to late nights in the office but it’s the drive and ambition to see a job through and succeed that keeps me going. I’d also say it’s good to be able to have a laugh and be chatty in order to build relationships with clients and other industry professionals. Plus having a laugh is a good way to de-stress!
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
Working in a marketing agency is a job of incredible highs and lows. There can be endless hours, hard days and long weeks but nothing can beat the buzz following the completion of a successful campaign. I love nothing more than seeing one of your own ideas come to life and become a success.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
Outside of working life, I’m a massive sports lover. I play hockey for Ulster University Elks who compete in an all-Ireland League so I spend most of my weekends on the road travelling and playing. I’m also not long back from Prague where we represented Ireland and competed in the European Champions Challenge where we won gold.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
My Daddy would always and still does say to me ‘Life is full of hurdles – big and small. Some may cause you to fall but it’s how you get back up again that shows true character’. This has been massively inspirational for me in both my professional and sporting careers as you can often get knocked back but it’s having the self-belief and strength to pick yourself back up and plough on that is key.
A university lecturer also told me to always carry a pen. At the time I laughed however, even now in this digital age, I’ve realized how important always having one handy is, so I always ensure I have one stashed in my handbag.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
My family. First and foremost my parents. They are the most hardworking and inspirational people I know and without their support, advice and guidance I wouldn’t be where I am or the person I am today. Secondly my older sister, Deborah. When growing up she would always say ‘one day I will be a chartered accountant’ and she now is. The sheer amount of effort and determination she put into achieving her dream job was admirable. I’ll never forget the day she found out she passed her professional exams and that day I said to myself, I want to be just like my sister.
If you could go back, what is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Back yourself!