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job vacancies in advertising, marketing and PR Amy Grundy, board account director, Intelligent Marketing'I chose marketing as it allowed me to combine my creativity with strategic thinking. I specialise in direct marketing (DM), which I find particularly interesting, because it is so measurable. For me, DM is ‘intelligent marketing’ - you identify your target audience, understand their specific needs, talk to them directly, and thereby maximise return on investment - there is no waste. This discipline is particularly effective with companies where scepticism about marketing is high - the figures tend to speak for themselves! I currently head up one of Intelligent Marketing’s client services teams, overseeing several high-profile client accounts. I’m responsible for the strategic development of projects, creative output and troubleshooting any issues as they arise. I’m also responsible for my team’s development and growth - we have three-monthly reviews, weekly meetings and regular ‘lunch-and-learn’ sessions. Ads by Google My role also involves developing new business, particularly important for a start-up agency. This is both new opportunities with existing clients, and new clients entirely. A mix is required to deliver our team business plan. As I sit on the board of Intelligent Marketing, I also take responsibility for the agency’s marketing, including advertising, internal and external communications and PR. I really love my job - especially the buzz and satisfaction I get from a project perfectly delivered that achieves above client expectations! I also enjoy the commercial element, exceeding my business targets. My job is a great outlet for my creativity, as I am tasked to think about a 100 different things in one day! I love being part of something unique and exciting - a philosophy shared by everyone at Intelligent Marketing. The hours are tough, but I don't think a work/life divide is that relevant if you love what you do. I would advise anyone thinking of marketing as a career to read up on the industry, and know what you are getting into - understand the difference between marketing and advertising. And be passionate - it’s hard to get a foot through the door and you'll need to make sure you stand out from the competition.' Manisha Chouhan, account manager'My interest in advertising progressed from me studying a marketing degree at university, as advertising and marketing are very similar. I initially started my career in marketing within the fashion industry. However, I realised I enjoyed the creative and design side more, so moved to advertising. I now work for an established advertising agency, where I manage two big, blue-chip retail brands. This involves developing my clients’ initial ideas and strategy and briefing it to the creative team, to develop effective advertising campaigns, presenting art work, direct marketing, production and distribution of brochures and budget management. I’m also responsible for managing an account executive, as well as business planning and research, which I find very interesting. There is so much variety in my job, which I really thrive on. I also thoroughly enjoy the client accounts that I manage. We have won a number of awards for the advertising campaigns we’ve developed for my clients, and it’s fantastic to play a part in an award-winning team. Time and time again, I see my clients’ return on investment from working with us, which is great. However, it can be frustrating when clients can be indecisive, or projects are put on hold. The advertising industry is such a competitive market now, that I would strongly advise graduates to really do their research. I can’t emphasise how much work experience will benefit anyone considering the advertising profession, as well as reading industry magazines. Within advertising, there are different sectors you can enter, e.g., retail, business-to-business, and IT, so it is definitely worth identifying the sectors you are interested in, and researching these sectors thoroughly'. Nicola Brooks, campus marketing executive'I have always been interested in marketing and PR, but wasn't sure which area I wanted to specialise in. It was only after working in both sectors that I decided marketing was the career path I wanted to follow. As campus marketing executive at KPMG, I work closely with universities, developing relationships with careers services, academics and students on campus. I also plan and implement marketing strategies, manage budgets, search for key sponsorship opportunities, organise events and manage a team of six student brand managers. I really enjoy my role and love the variation. It involves a lot of travel and I work with a great marketing team. I also really enjoy working for a large organisation. KPMG provides excellent internal training to help me develop my skills. I am currently studying for my Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification, and work are being really supportive. I would advise anyone thinking of going into marketing to do their homework. Find out about the industry sector and the organisations you may be interested in. Try and attend events where you can meet the people, as this will give you a really good idea of the culture within the firm and whether you think you would be happy there. It also offers a really good opportunity to find out information about the firm, the application process and what the recruiters are looking for. Always check potential employers' website, and always try to get some practice for the recruitment process; whether it's an event run on campus, or an online tool. Competition for graduate places in marketing is fierce, and the more prepared you are, the better. And always be yourself. Employers want to recruit you for your skills and allow you to develop those skills. | 
