Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Ellie McDonough: Programmatic executive at Carat
Time in current role/time at the company:
Almost a year and a half since I joined Carat.
How long have you been in the industry?
This is my first media job, so over a year.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I was studying Business and Digital Communications and was so keen to start working and immerse myself in the industry that I didn’t want to wait until I finished my degree before looking for media roles. I started applying for any media job I could find mid-lockdowns and was elated to come across the programmatic associate role.
Who is your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
Since day one, Elena Fantin (programmatic manager, Carat Melbourne) has been my biggest supporter and has provided all the resources to help me grow within the role. El has been a great mentor and can always point me in the right direction.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
Being exposed to many different clients and businesses, understanding how media influences business results. It is also really exciting to see the campaigns that you work on out in the world.
And the biggest challenge?
Keeping up with all the changes within the digital landscape, no day is ever the same. Which makes it a great challenge to contend with!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
No job in particular, I am still figuring out what jobs even exist within the industry. Keen to broaden my experience within the digital landscape and work on developing strategic and leadership skills and I’ll see where I end up!
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My family and partner all have a lot of crazy ideas (as do I) and its nice to be able to draw on their thoughts and ideas.
My favourite advert is:
The Natural Confectionary Co. where the dad is chopping the lollies and the daughter says “don’t chop the dinosaur”, it is a wholesome every day moment.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
There isn’t much they don’t know already, I do have an extreme fear of ice cubes being eaten or crushed, going to the snow, watching videos of ice being cut. I really don’t like sounds associated with ice or snow.
In five years' time I'll be:
In five years’ time I’ll hopefully be still working with a group of inspiring people and hopefully helping inspire and lead others. I also hope to be going on lots of overseas trips!
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