Our Young Guns profile takes a weekly look at some of the young talent aged 30 or under across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry. Last week we spoke to the digital managing editor of Bauer Media's young women's lifestyle portfolio, Emily Kerr.
This week, we head to Sydney to speak to Network Ten digital integration producer, Amelia McGrath.
How long have you been in the industry?
One year full time and three years at university, working odd jobs here and there.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
One year at Network Ten as the digital integration producer.
What were you doing before this job and how did you get this gig?
I was working at Australian Radio Network on the street crew, interning as a digital media producer at Network Ten and technically still employed at Boost Juice (seven-year veteran). I got offered a job at Mi9 as a junior producer in April 2015, but two weeks into the job I received an email from the digital editor at Ten with a job offer to be a digital producer in the commercial integration department. At first I declined because I didn’t want to leave Mi9 so soon, but couldn’t shake the realisation that I had been somewhat head-hunted by Ten. So I took up the opportunity and never looked back.
Define your job in one word:
If there’s a how-to guide, I can do it.
What were your real and cliché expectations of working in the industry?
I expected to work graveyard radio shifts for the first three years post-grad while working as a barista at the local café - the tutors at Macquarie University did a really good job of killing all employment expectations in the media.
How does the reality match up?
Jobs are out there, work hard and you’ll get one.
How would you describe what the company does and what does your role involve?
Network Ten broadcasts free-to-air TV. In the commercial integration department we bring all the sponsorships to life. I’m responsible for making all the digital and social integrations happen.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Things will change. Fast.
Any major hard learnings in the job so far?
Mergers will happen. When they do, stop complaining and get on with it.
If you had to switch over to another department, which would it be and why?
Any department that isn’t directly involved with sales folk.
What's exciting you about the industry right now?
The nature of broadcasting TV – with live streaming on Facebook and digital platforms I look forward to seeing how FTA networks battle it out in the coming years.
What concerns you about the industry and its future?
Free-to-air prime time TV becoming a thing of the past. Gone will be the days of rushing home for the 7:30pm premiere of The Bachelor.
Who guides you day to day?
More like what – my outlook calendar of course.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in 2020 and how do you plan on getting there?
I’d love to get into radio content direction or production. I’ll get there by working hard of course. Hopefully by 2020 I’ll have finally proof-read my travel blog.
What is the elephant in the room?
FTA networks live streaming their content in regional Australia.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
WordPress – to read stories from lesser-known bloggers who find time in their busy days to write thousands of words for their readers.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m a space nerd. I would love to be an astronaut, but sadly my ATAR wasn’t in the 90s.
Favourite advert is:
The Bundaberg Rum ads - some top shelf thinking right there.
What’s your personal motto?
She’ll be right.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing because:
Digital jobs will be replaced by Ericabots in 20 years.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Four-wheel driving, fishing and camping my way around the great Australian Outback.
Want to be part of our AdNews Young Guns or nominate a colleague? Email lindsaybennett@yaffa.com.au
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