Our Young Guns profile takes a weekly look at some of the young talent 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.
This week we speak to Val Morgan account manager Carley Schad.
How long have you been in the industry?
Almost four years.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
Two years.
What were you doing before this job and how did you get this gig?
I was working at Mediacom as a client planner across Volkswagen. Around the time I was seeking the next step, a role became available as an account executive at Val Morgan. Film was a natural passion for me so I cast my net.
Define your job in one word:
Lively.
What were your real and cliché expectations of working in the industry?
I came into this industry as an entirely blank canvas. Born from the fear of graduating with no job, I went for the first communications role I could… I was just lucky enough to fall into an industry that goes against expectation every day.
How does the reality match up?
There is no set reality in media. I’ve learnt that anything is possible with the right attitude.
How would you describe what the company does and what does your role involve?
Val Morgan Cinema is built upon opportunism. We serve advertising in an unavoidable setting and our consumers not only enjoy it, they pay for it.
My role is focused on sharing the value of that with clients.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
There is no shortage of like-minded individuals who challenge me to strive for better, every day.
Any major hard learnings in the job so far?
I didn’t know it all when I began, I don’t know it all now and I won’t know it all in the future.
If you had to switch over to another department, which would it be and why?
Marketing. Have you seen the events they put on for us?
What's exciting you about the industry right now?
Artificial Intelligence.
What concerns you about the industry and its future?
Automation… which makes my previous answer a bit of an oxymoron.
Who's your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
My mom. Always has been and always will be my toughest critic and greatest friend.
And your almighty mentor that you hope to dethrone?
Tim Bowen, group sales manager at Val Morgan.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in 2020 and how do you plan on getting there?
In 2020, I hope to have an MBA under my belt, some international working experience and be positioned nicely to take on the leadership of a business.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
The ping-pong table in the office is the elephant in the room. I’ve come to learn that ping-pong tables, bean-bag chairs and open bars don’t equal company culture.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Film and poetry.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Unashamedly, there is very little people don’t know about me but for the sake of making this more interesting… I’ve kept a diary since I was eight.
Favourite advert is:
Will always be Lacoste – Life is a Beautiful Sport – The Leap.
What’s your personal motto?
This too shall pass.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
The love of the game and job security.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
In Vienna. Writing and drinking.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.