In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's The Works social media manager Katerina Hatzitheodorou.
Time in current role/time at the company:
A little over one year at The Works.
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve been in the industry for over three years now.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Short answer, no!
Long answer, I have always been a creative person (I grew up dancing since the age of three), though I wasn’t quite sure where to channel that creative side of me. I began studying something unrelated and knew it wasn’t for me. I met another student who was studying a bachelor of business majoring in marketing and hearing about the course/ career paths that led to, I instantly knew marketing/advertising was for me. Right after that conversation (3-4 weeks into starting uni) I transferred courses to business marketing and here we are.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Cheesy answer, but I would say my brother. He has been an invaluable mentor to me both professionally and personally and is my go-to for anything and everything.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
How many people can say they have fun while working?
And the biggest challenge?
In terms of working agency side, we invest significant time and creativity into building a campaign, however there's always the possibility that the work may get terminated at any stage due to external factors (for example: approval stages client side, budget reduction or campaign change of direction). It is what it is!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I wouldn’t say I’ve got my sight on someones role per say. But I know where I want to be in the future and strive for that.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Oh boy what a question. Brands are executing tip top campaigns left, right and centre, it’s hard to stay on top of them all! Top line I would say TikTok and if you don’t agree….
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I own well over 100 dance costumes that I have no idea what to do with them…I started dancing at the age of three for fun, which soon turned into me focusing on dance competitively for the next 15+ years. I went to a Performing Arts High School where I majored in Dance, which consisted of 1-2 dance classes every day. I also travelled interstate and Internationally for dance competitions so have a heap of medals and trophies too packed away (humble brag). I would definitely say I didn’t have a ‘normal’ childhood, but wouldn’t change it for the world.
In five years time I'll be:
Ask me in five years time. A lot can happen in a day let alone five years!
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