Mindshare Unplugged spotlights and interview rising stars across Mindshare North America – people who exemplify our core values of Provocation, Speed, and Teamwork. Say hello to Jenn Weber, Associate Director in our Chicago office, and find out what makes her tick.
What inspired you go to into the media industry?
My college internship inspired me to go into the media industry. I was a creative intern at a media agency for two summers – most of my work was on design projects, but I was exposed to media and strategy through our lunchtime 101s and group projects. While I enjoyed the creative work, I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me long-term so I was hired in as a media associate. The beauty of working in media is that this industry interests talent with unique backgrounds to marry the “art” and “science” of media within our work. Students with backgrounds in the fine arts can learn the quantitative aspects of media if they are eager to learn.
What do you think is the most exciting thing happening in media right now?
The rise of the robots! Growth of AI and automation impacts all aspects of our business. The science of our industry is changing quickly as channels are becoming smarter and more targeted – shifting from mass awareness to personalized approaches. Understanding and mastering how to deploy AI to create the richest brand experiences will be an evolutionary learning experience for marketers. Our challenge will be to learn as quickly as the AI!
What advice would you offer to people who are just starting out in this industry?
Good work alone is not enough to succeed in this industry. Get up from your desk every day and talk to someone, learn something. Watch commuters on the train instead of staring at your phone – you’ll observe moments of emotion amidst the humdrum of public transit. The authentic connections you make with your coworkers and see being made on the train, these are what we’re trying to create with our work. If you keep your head down and plugged into your devices, you’ll miss out on learning new things, making connections and enjoying the little moments that help make you better inside and outside the workplace.
Top 3 frequently used emoji?
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