The Year 1ne's - SoundSage

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In her Year 1ne, Sakshi worked as a Performance Marketer at Cello, one of India’s leading brands for housewares and products for commercial kitchens and restaurants. But recently, she decided to go back to school to complete a master’s degree in digital marketing in Ireland. So we’ve got a lot to talk about working in marketing and learning marketing.👩‍🎓

Some of the highlights from Sakshi and Blair’s chat include how to develop basic marketing skills to help get your first job if your undergraduate isn’t in marketing, the importance of being realistic and telling the truth in the job search; and, the big decision to quit your job and move internationally to go to school to do a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing.

🗣️ In This EpisodeGetting to Day 1ne: The Job Search0:35 | Introduction from Sakshi
1:25 | What attracted you to get into marketing?
2:50 | Developing basic marketing skills to help get the job
6:50 | How did you get your first marketing job?
8:45 | The importance of being realistic and telling the truth in the job search

Sakshi’s Year 1ne @ Cello and going back to school12:10 | Overview of Cello
14:10 | What is a typical week as a Performance Marketer?
17:25 | Essential skills for performance marketing
20:00 | Going back to school to do a Master’s in Digital Marketing
23:25 | Why did you decide to study internationally?
26:30 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne31:20 | Rookie mistake on making calculation errors
36:15 | Lesson learned to keep on learning
37:35 | Pro tip to do online certifications to get familiar with marketing software

🔗 Links and ResourcesConnect with Sakshi Dubey: LinkedIn | Instagram
Brands/organizations: Cello | University College Dublin
Marketing and media tools: Microsoft Excel | Amazon Advertising | Flipkart
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness 

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In her Year 1ne, Daniella works as an Account Executive at FCB, which is one of the largest global advertising agency networks and is part of the Interpublic Group. If you’re interested in what life is like in big time advertising and doing award-winning work then this episode’s for you!🏆

Some of the highlights from Daniella and Blair’s chat include how the devil is in managing the details in client service at an advertising agency, why “doing the dirty work” is essential to learning; and, a productivity tip to help you organize your day and week.

🗣️ In This EpisodeDaniella’s Year 1ne @ FCB0:38 | Introduction from Daniella
1:40 | Going from psychology to marketing
4:00 | What is a typical week as an Account Executive?
7:20 | Overview of FCB
11:30 | Getting promoted in client service
12:20 | Working in an award-winning environment
15:50 | What is a Gamer Relations Specialist?
19:20 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
24:05 | Talking about her “very small” media company
27:00 | Why proofing creative is critical in client service

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search30:45 | What attracted you to get into marketing?
32:10 | How getting noticed helped her get the job
38:25 | Hardest part of the job search
42:20 | Why “doing the dirty work” is essential to learning
43:25 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne
46:20 | Rookie mistake on using the wrong tone in client communication
49:30 | Lesson learned to be organized
50:40 | Pro tip for productivity: Big 3, Medium 5, X Next

🔗 Links and ResourcesConnect with Daniella Okezie: LinkedIn | Instagram
Brands/organizations: FCB | Interpublic Group | BMO | Wilfred Laurier University | George Brown College
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In her Year 1ne, Asmita works as a Brand Strategist at Jack in the Box, a digital marketing agency based in India where she’s worked on advertising for global brands like Cadbury, Lays and Neutrogena. Asmita is also an Instagram creator. Under the handle @branding.Asmita, she shares her knowledge and insights on the intricacies of branding, marketing, and the power of storytelling in shaping a brand's narrative.🗣️

Some of the highlights from Asmita and Blair’s chat include what a ‘Visume’ is and why it’s important, THE number 1 rule of marketing; and, how her Hire Asmita campaign got her hired quickly after finishing school.

🗣️ In This EpisodeAsmita’s Year 1ne @ Jack in the Box and branding.Asmita0:41 | Introduction from Asmita
2:40 | Overview of Jack in the Box
4:40 | What is a typical week as a Brand Strategist in an agency?
7:50 | Using 4-quadrant advertising framework for planning
10:40 | How can competitive debating help with being a marketer?
11:45 | Overview of branding.Asmita
16:20 | Hot topics for the branding.Asmita audience
20:15 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search24:50 | Preparing her Hire Asmita campaign
28:00 | How did you get the job?
30:35 | Hardest part of the job search
34:50 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne36:50 | Rookie mistake on not accepting responsibility for making a mistake
38:40 | Lesson learned on THE number 1 rule of marketing
39:35 | Pro tip on asking as many questions as you can

🔗 Links and ResourcesConnect with Asmita Chugh: LinkedIn | Instagram
Brands/organizations: Jack in the Box | Schbang | Talented
Marketing and media tools: Canva
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In his Year 1ne, Tristan has worked in multiple roles doing business-to-business (B2B) marketing with a focus on inbound marketing using social media. He’s done this work for brands such as CanadaHelps, PharmaGuideand Philips. Recently, Tristan started Beyond Redemption, a consulting firm that leverages awards and points-based travel to help small businesses travel better and reduce their expenses. ✈️

Some of the highlights from Tristan and Blair’s chat include how starting in consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketing is like a “golden ticket”, we nerd out over the cover letter; and, why you should consider working in a not-for-profit or charity.

🗣️ In This EpisodeTristan’s Year 1ne @ PharmaGuide and Beyond Redemption0:46 | Introduction from Tristan
1:50 | Working as a “marketing team of one” at the startup PharmaGuide
7:10 | Overview of Pharmaguide
8:55 | When in doubt…start with organic marketing communication strategies
11:45 | How sales and marketing must be partners
13:50 | What sparked your interest in B2B marketing?
16:25 | Doing marketing for Ariana Grande
18:00 | Overview of his travel startup Beyond Redemption
25:25 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
29:00 | How did you get the job?
30:50 | Shh…Secret job sources other than LinkedIn
32:00 | Working in marketing for a not-for-profit or a charity
38:55 | Hardest part of the job search
40:55 | Nerding out over the cover letter
46:20 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne
52:05 | Lesson learned on how picking the right job can set you apart
54:25 |Pro tip on starting in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) marketing is like a “golden ticket”

🔗 Links and ResourcesConnect with Tristan Choa: LinkedIn
Brands/organizations: Beyond Redemption | PharmaGuide | Charity Village | Canadian Blood Services | General Mills | Procter & Gamble (P&G)
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In her Year 1ne, Morolayo (“Layo”) has worked in the non-profit sector as a Marketing and Social Media Specialist at Nankind, an organization that provides free supportive care to families affected by cancer; and prior to this she was in Community Engagement at Wealthsimple Foundation. Morolayo also worked for four years agency-side in
Nigeria before moving to Canada to exploring her creative and
purpose-driven passions further. 🤗

Some of the highlights from Layo and Blair’s chat include how focusing on a niche sector helps in the job search, the difference between working agency vs. client-side in marketing communications; and, why sometimes “you need to slow down to speed up”.

🗣️ In This EpisodeMorolayo’s Year 1ne @ Nankind1:05 | Introduction from Layo
1:40 | Overview of Nankind
12:30 | How can you volunteer with Nankind?
15:05 | Working in marketing for Nankind
18:30 | Did you want a digital marketing generalist role?
21:10 | Working in community engagement at Wealthsimple Foundation
23:20 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
24:40 | Talking about a sensitive topic like cancer
27:15 | What’s the brand voice for Nankind?

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
29:15 | Making the move to Canada
32:25 | Deciding to shift from agency to client side
34:25 | How did you get the job?
40:35 | Hardest part of the job search
44:15 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question
48:10 | Turning the tables…”What’s Blair’s favourite brand?”

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne50:20 | Rookie mistake on jumping into things too quickly
54:25 | Pro tip that curiousity can take you a long way

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In her Year 1ne, Hannah works as a Growth Marketer at Growclass, a marketing training course. She started as Digital Marketing Intern and has since been promoted to Associate Growth Marketer and then Growth Marketer. Hannah loves connecting with people through her marketing superpowers of email marketing, copywriting, and community management. 🤗

Some of the highlights from Hannah and Blair’s chat include the importance of having empathy as a marketer, a rookie mistake of not checking your links; and how the Barbie brand captured hearts and minds in summer 2023.

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
14:30 | Getting hired at Growclass
17:00 | Evolving from an Intern to a Growth Marketer
19:55 | Hardest part of the job search
21:30 | How can organizations better communicate entry-level jobs?
25:00 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne29:00 | Rookie mistake on not testing links before sending email
32:45 | Lesson learned that failure is feedback
33:35 | Pro tip that nothing worth having comes easy

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Hannah Permell: LinkedIn
Brands/organizations: Growclass | George Brown College
Marketing and media tools: Autopilot | Google Analytics 4 | Zoom | Slack | Zapier | Luma
Books: The Alchemist | Think and Grow Rich | The Mountain Is You
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In his Year 1ne, Nathan works as an SEO Strategist at Flywheel Digital, a boutique growth marketing agency. The truth is Nathan started out as a life science student in the pursuit of medical school only to have an MCAT seminar deliver an earth-shattering awakening about how much time he would have to commit to getting there, so Nathan chose the next best thing…to get into digital marketing.😱

Some of the highlights from Nathan and Blair’s chat include the real deal of what being an SEO is all about, how medicine, law and SEO are similar; and the time that ChatGPT let him down.

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search21:05 | Getting hired at Flywheel Digital
24:10 | Learning about SEO while looking for SEO job
25:10 | Talking about technical SEO
26:35 | Hardest part of the job search
28:30 | Onboarding experience at Flywheel Digital
29:10 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question
33:00 | Hot tips for content marketing and SEO for small organizations
41:00 | Being creative in marketing

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne
44:15 | Rookie mistake on trusting ChatGPT too much
45:15 | Lesson learned to communicate succinctly

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In her Year 1ne, Rihanna works as a Search Marketing Specialist, primarily focusing on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) at Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), a not-for-profit made up of eight regional automobile clubs serving over 6 million members in Canada. She’s an in-house SEO expert for two automobile clubs—CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba–doing in page optimization for multiple websites to ensure search results (in Google and other search engines such as Bing) are relevant and create a positive user experience. 🚘

Some of the highlights from Rihanna and Blair’s chat include how being an SEO is the most mysterious job in marketing, the practice of turning an unsuccessful job interview into a moment of reflection; and, the importance of using simple words in marketing.

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search24:50 | Getting hired at CAA
28:00 | Preparing for the interview process
28:40 | Hardest part of the job search
30:40 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question
33:15 | How to balance user attention span vs. right amount of information for the user

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne36:10 | Rookie mistake of using acronyms and jargon
38:50 | Lesson learned to practice patience
41:55 | Pro tip to share your ideas

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Reyhaneh (“Rihanna”) Hosseini: LinkedIn
Brands/organizations: Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) | CAA South Central Ontario | CAA Manitoba | TD Insurance
Marketing and media tools: Microsoft Excel | Google Analytics 4 (GA4) | Google Search Console | BrightEdge
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In his Year 1ne(ish), Alex works as a Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Manager at Saatchi & Saatchi, a global advertising agency that’s part of the Publicis Group. I just under two years, he’s progressed through four roles in paid search advertising from SEM Intern to SEM Coordinator to SEM Specialist to SEM Manager. 📈

Some of the highlights from Alex and Blair’s chat include the progression of his four roles and what changed with each one, which brand stands out as the “king of content” by being memorable; and, why you need to spend the entire advertising budget you’re given.

In This Episode 🗣️Alex’s Year 1ne @ Saatchi & Saatchi1:30 | Introduction from Alex
2:15 | Overview of Saatchi & Saatchi
4:50 | Progressing from SEM Intern to SEM Manager
13:45 | The specifics of search marketing
17:00 | Essential software and tools
18:35 | Writing ads in Microsoft Excel?!?!
22:20 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne
39:40 | Rookie mistake that it’s easy to make small mistakes in paid search
40:45 | Pro tip as an Intern it’s all about learning
41:25 | Lesson learned to spend the media budget you’re given

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Alex Carter: LinkedIn
Brands/organizations: Saatchi & Saatchi | Publicis Group | Brock University | George Brown College | Red Bull
Marketing and media tools: Google Ads Editor | Google Ads | Google Search Ads 360 | Microsoft Advertising | Microsoft Excel
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In her Year 1ne, Sophie has worked in a few different contract roles and is currently a Social Media Manager at Paradigm Public Relations, where she manages the social media accounts for seven different clients! Prior to this, Sophie worked at JLM Strategic Marketing, a marketing agency specializing in brand experience or experiential marketing.🤳

Some of the highlights from Sophie and Blair’s chat include the importance of tracking your on-the-job “wins” as they happen, working with a recruiter as part of your job search; and, why it’s important to believe that you own your seat at the table.

In This Episode 🗣️Sophie’s Year 1ne @ Paradigm Public Relations (PR)1:30 | Introduction from Sophie
3:00 | Overview of Paradigm PR
5:05 | Working as a Social Media Manager
8:00 | Other Year 1ne jobs before Paradigm PR
9:15 | Why work in social media marketing?
10:20 | Essential software and tools
11:10 | Exciting things in this new job at Paradigm PR
13:50 | What is a “boost” on social media?
16:40 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
18:45 | Juggling relationships with multiple brand managers

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne
35:10 | Rookie mistake on being afraid to share
36:55 | Lesson learned to not “pigeon hole” yourself
38:00 | Pro tip that working in marketing is fun!

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Sophie Cugliari: LinkedIn
Brands/organizations: Paradigm Public Relations | JLM Strategic Marketing | The Inkey List | George Brown College | Edgewell Personal Care | Bulldog Skincare | Hawaiian Tropic | Under Armour
Marketing and media tools: Brandwatch | Hootsuite
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In his Year 1ne, Zack works as an Assistant Brand Manager at General Mills, where he’s done marketing on cereal brands including Cheerios, Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.🥣

Some of the highlights from Zack and Blair’s chat include three different ways to deliver value to a customer, which player on the football field a brand manager would be; and, how Zack realizes how stupid he is every three months!

In This Episode 🗣️Zack’s Year 1ne @ General Mills1:40 | Introduction from Zack
2:30 | Overview of General Mills
4:45 | Working as an Assistant Brand Manager
7:10 | Does brand management include marketing communication?
9:30 | What does CPG mean?
10:10 | Managing a global brand like Cheerios
12:15 | Essential skills for a brand manager
15:50 | Developing your analytics skills
19:50 | Which football position is brand manager most like?
24:20 | Essential software and tools
26:15 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
31:50 | How to deliver value to consumers in a recession

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search34:50 | Getting hired at General Mills
39:00 | Trusting the process
40:15 | Hardest part of the job search
41:55 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne48:25 | Lesson learned becoming “slightly less stupid"
51:00 | Pro tip on writing fewer notes
53:50 | Lesson learned about Imposter Syndrome
56:20 | Lesson learned on ups and downs

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In her Year 1ne, Sonia works as a Social Media Assistant at Ontario Parks, in the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for the Government of Ontario, where she’s your friendly neighbourhood squirrel…I’ll let her explain.🐿️
(yes, I know that's a chipmunk, there’s no squirrel emoji. 🤷)

Some of the highlights from Sonia and Blair’s chat include the process for doing social media marketing in a government organization, how to answer the “tell us why we should hire you for this job?” question; and, how the National Parks Service is hilarious…who knew!

In This Episode 🗣️Sonia’s Year 1ne @ Ontario Parks1:45 | Introduction from Sonia
2:15 | Overview of Ontario Parks
3:20 | Working in social media marketing for a government organization
4:55 | The planning process for social content
7:40 | Doing community management
9:50 | Collaborating central-to-local with each provincial park team
12:00 | Being “your friendly neighbourhood squirrel”
14:25 | How marketing helps with conservation efforts
16:25 | How did previous work in conservation help with this job?
20:00 | Asking the question
21:25 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
23:00 | Attention…and long-form vs. short form content

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search27:25 | Finding the “spark” in what you do
29:00 | Getting hired at Ontario Parks
30:00 | The “Tell us why we should hire you for this job?” question
32:50 | Hardest part of the job search
35:00 | Not playing the job application numbers game
37:00 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne39:00 | Mistake made on not speaking up when things get overwhelming
42:25 | Lesson learned on keeping the message “clear, concise and compelling”

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Sonia Dharni: LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | TikTok
Brands/organizations: George Brown College | Canadian Wildlife Federation | Ontario Parks (Website) | Ontario Parks (Instagram) | Ontario Parks (Twitter) | National Park Service (Website) | National Park Service (Instagram)
Marketing and media tools: Sprout Social | Microsoft Excel
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In her Year 1ne, Laurel works as an Account Strategist at Aber Group, an independent online advertising agency, where she plans and manages advertising campaigns for her client and trains new interns.👩‍🏫

Some of the highlights from Laurel and Blair’s chat include why it’s important to ask the question as an intern, how everybody is a math person; and, how Sephora sparkles while Bubly “Bublé’s” as brands that do good marketing.

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search27:55 | Getting hired at Aber Group
30:55 | Networking with one specific question
33:50 | Advertising agency vs. brand/client-side marketing?
38:00 | Hardest part of the job search
41:15 | Reflecting for self-awareness
42:25 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne45:55 | Rookie mistake made by deleting a campaign
48:40 | Lesson learned on being more analytic than imagined
50:25 | Pro tip that a presentation is a performance

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In his Year 1ne, Kunal works as an Associate – Digital Activation at Initiative, a full-service global media agency, where he works on the programmatic advertising team 🎯

Some of the highlights from Kunal and Blair’s chat include the steps in the paid advertising campaign lifecycle in a full-service agency, why it’s important find your voice in your year one; and, how creating vision boards help Kunal make his goals a reality–including his vision board for the job search.

In This Episode 🗣️Kunal’s Year 1ne @ Initiative Media1:55 | Introduction from Kunal
2:10 | Overview of Initiative Media
3:10 | Managing 35 campaigns and $15 million budget in 1 year
5:30 | Why programmatic advertising?
7:10 | Outlining the paid advertising campaign lifecycle in a large agency
14:15 | Essential skills and technologies
18:30 | The need to “learn and unlearn”
20:05 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne41:25 | Mistake made on pushing for a promotion
45:05 | Rookie mistake on being confident vs. overconfidence
46:05 | Lesson learned on pacing yourself
47:05 | Pro tip to try everything twice

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Kunal Makhija: LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | TikTok
Brands/organizations: Initiative | RBC | George Brown College | Humber College
Marketing and media tools: Google DV360 | ChatGPT | Microsoft Excel
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In her Year 1ne in Canada, Kruthika (“Kru”) Jayakumar works as an Account Supervisor at the advertising agency King Ursa 👑🐻

Some of the highlights from Kru and Blair’s chat include why a portfolio of different work will set you apart in the job search, we compare what’s it’s like to work in an agency vs. brand/client side; and, how to answer the one question you’re gonna get asked in any marketing job interview.

In This Episode 🗣️Kru’s Year 1ne @ King Ursa1:53 | Introduction from Kru
3:10 | Agency overview of King Ursa
4:50 | Working in advertising as Account Executive vs. Account Supervisor
8:55 | Managing multiple clients
11:35 | Working as a marketing communication generalist
15:45 | Essential technology for client service
17:55 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne49:05 | Rookie mistake on not looking for mistakes
50:50 | Lesson learned on setting goals and advocating for yourself

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Kruthika Jayakumar on LinkedIn
Brands/organizations: King Ursa | Simons | Knix
Marketing and media tools: Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace | ChatGPT | Jasper.ai
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In his Year 1ne, Ray Harripaul works as a Sports Content & Media Coordinator at George Brown College in the Athletics and Recreation department 🏀

Some of the highlights from Ray and Blair’s chat include how his job search journey went full circle over a few years from a coop placement to his current full-time role in content creation for athletics and recreation at George Brown College, what having a “get to job” is; and, the life learning he got from Mrs. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus…yes, it was a kids TV show from the 90’s.

In This Episode 🗣
Ray’s Year 1ne @ George Brown College: Athletics and Recreation1:40 | A Full Circle Introduction for Ray
10:40 | Working as Sports Content & Media Coordinator
15:25 | Having a “I have a get to job!”
16:00 | Planning content for Athletics and Recreation
23:15 | How other roles at George Brown College prepared you
25:37 | The lululemon guest experience
28:35 | Making connections as a youth worker
30:30 | Everybody is a creative

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
33:45 | Getting hired in Athletics and Recreation at George Brown College
36:30 | Having a learning mindset–inspired by Mrs. Frizzle
39:00 | Frustrations with the job search
41:00 | Coming around full circle on your passion
46:15 | Betting on yourself–inspired by Fred VanVleet

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne
49:00 | Rookie mistake on thinking you know everything
51:35 | Lesson learned on trusting the process

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Ray Harripaul: LinkedIn | Instagram
Brands/organizations: Formula1 (F1) | Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) | Ontario Basketball Association | lululemon | George Brown College Athletics | College of Sports Media
Marketing and media tools: Adobe Creative Cloud
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In her Year 1ne, Rachel works as an Account Manager at Pinterest Canada on the Enterprise – Consumer Packaged Goods team 📌

Some of the highlights from Rachel and Blair’s chat include why it feels good to use and work at Pinterest (which you can’t say about many mainstream search engines and social networks), how to write a bulletproof resume; and the need to “balance being realistic with optimistic” to not oversell your skills.

In This Episode 🗣️Rachel’s Year 1ne @ Pinterest Canada2:25 | Introduction from Rachel
3:45 | Did you know Pinterest is a search engine?
6:10 | What attracted you to Pinterest?
9:25 | Working as an Account Manager on the advertising team
13:00 | Brand vs. performance marketing objectives
15:40 | Delivering compelling data-driven presentations
19:55 | Talking metrics for paid advertising
23:00 | Moving from creative to client service
26:30 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne44:55 | Rookie mistake on overselling current skills going into an interview
46:05 | Rookie mistake on being a perfectionist and risk of burnout
48:30 | Lesson learned to “raise your hand”
51:15 | Pro tip on failure

The Hottest of Links and Resources 🔥
Connect with Rachel Cooper: LinkedIn
Brands/organizations: Pinterest Canada | StackAdapt
Marketing and media tools: Pinterest Ads Manager | Microsoft Excel | Salesforce
Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for past episodes, show notes and more goodness

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In her Year 1ne, Rebecca’s worked as Social Media Coordinator at Inkbox, the semi-permanent tattoo company ❣ and as Digital Marketing Coordinator at Pocketed, a financial services startup 💰

After years of post-secondary education in pursuit of a career in teaching, like many, Rebecca was forced to pivot during the pandemic, ultimately landing her in the digital marketing space where she hasn’t looked back.

Some of the highlights from Rebecca and Blair’s chat include the importance of a “taking a shot” mindset to help get a job she loves, how thinking about buying shoes can help with the job search; and, why the algorithms are always on her mind.

In This Episode 🗣️Rebecca’s Year 1ne @ Inkbox
1:05 | Overview of Inkbox
2:30 | Working as a social media coordinator…on a social savvy brand
5:25 | Discussing the important of user-generated content (UGC)
7:10 | Dealing with “the algorithm” of social networks
11:15 | Riding the roller coaster of trending content
15:20 | Who’s the competition for Inkbox?
20:35 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?

Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
23:30 | Getting the job at Pocketed
26:25 | Getting the job at Inkbox
27:15 | Hardest part of the job search
29:15 | Turning down a job offer

Thing’s I’ve Learned in Year 1ne
32:55 | Rookie mistake on not sharing ideas
35:00 | Lesson learned from “missing a shot”
37:10 | Lesson learned on experimentation

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In her Year 1ne in Canada, Alia's been working as an Account Manager at OLIVER Agency where she leads campaigns for Manulife’s Insurance, Bank, and Real Estate businesses. Prior to this, Alia worked in banking for almost 9 years in the Middle East & Africa, before deciding to make a career and life change to move to Canada and get into advertising in client service.

Some of the things that Alia and Blair discuss include how client service is essential “connective tissue” in an advertising agency, the fun of crafting a good creative brief; and, the important questions to answer to better position yourself in the job search.

Connect with Alia Khadem on LinkedIn
Connect with Blair Smith on LinkedIn
Check out The Year 1ne’s show website for guest information, past episodes and show notes

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In his Year 1ne, Ahmed's been working as a Growth Marketing Consultant with international reach. He’s based in Egypt and works with clients in Europe, Middle-East North Africa and the USA across a range of industries–from edtech to fashion to telecommunications.

Some of the things that Ahmed and Blair discuss include his year one(ish) working in growth marketing, how he’s connected the dots across his range of industry experience with the 360° Funnel Mastermind; and, why doing AB testing is essential for online marketing.

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In her year one, Lauren launched Lauren Galeana Social Media (LG:SM) a social media marketing consulting business for professional speakers. She went out on her own after working over six years at The Spotlight Agency, Canada’s largest speaker bureau. Some of the things that Lauren and I discuss include the origin story for her consulting business, why she focused on this niche of professional speakers, battling Imposter Syndrome, and things she’s learned along the way.

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Aadhar is a part-time Chef, a full-time Social Media Geek, and a self-proclaimed men’s fashion and grooming influencer with a flair for storytelling, a knack for detail, and a hint of humour. In his year one, Aadhar’s been working as an Account Coordinator, Brand & Social at FleishmanHillard HighRoad (FHR), a global communications agency that’s part of the Omnicom Group. His dream brands to work for are personality-driven, embrace the unconventional and have an eccentric vibe.

Some of the things that Aadhar and Blair discuss include if personality is more important than knowledge, how he loves his all-encompassing social marketing role at FHR; and, why he doesn’t care about a job description.

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Meet is a mechanical engineer-turned-digital marketer who’s been working in marketing automation in his year one. He’s currently a Marketing Automation and Operations Specialist at Questrade Financial Group where he uses client segmentation personas, customer journeys, and data strategies to plan and execute a multi-segment email marketing strategy designed to acquire, qualify and convert prospects.

Some of the things that Meet and Blair discuss include the strategic marketing mindset needed to work in marketing automation, how he used a B2B marketing funnel strategy to get hired; and, why he chose marketing over engineering as a career.

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In her year one, Sophia’s been working at dentsu X, a global full-service branding and marketing agency. She started on a co-op placement as a Media Coordinator which became a full-time job when she graduated from a postgraduate digital marketing program, and she’s since earned a promotion to Paid Social Analyst.

Some of the things that Sophia and Blair discuss include the work she’s doing in paid social advertising; how not networking can still get you a job; and, deciding to move to Canada as an international student.

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In his year one, Junior’s working as Manager, Partnerships & Programming at Wealthsimple Foundation, a charity focused on financial literacy that’s connected to Wealthsimple, a financial technology (“Fintech”) company.

Some of the things that Junior and Blair discuss include what makes partnerships a marketing function; the importance of human skills in this role; and, how finding a job is hard work.

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In her year one, Tionna’s worked as a Community Manager at two different social media marketing agencies, Pinch Social and Viral Nation where she is currently doing her thing.

Some of the things that Tionna and Blair discuss include a day in the life of a community manager; what makes LinkedIn a favourite social network of ours; and, why feeling uncomfortable in your job can be great for your development.

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In her year one, Stephanie’s had a few roles. She’s currently working as an Assistant Media Planner at Wavemaker Canada, that’s part of GroupM and WPP, a Top 5 global media network. Prior to this Stephanie consulted to Waterloo Public Library and Communal Lunch Project doing content marketing and social media management. Some of the things that Stephanie and Blair discuss include getting three different jobs in three very different ways in her year one, how being genuine is the best form of networking; and, what it’s like working in BIGmedia where your company is involved in 1 of every 3 ads being delivered at any time around the world.

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In his year one, Lekh’s been working as a Programmatic Account Specialist at Publicis Media, a full-service media agency where he manages programmatic display advertising campaigns for global brands. Some of the things that Lekh and Blair discuss include a 101 lesson on programmatic advertising, how to get started working in programmatic advertising (hint: free certifications help); and, why the job search can be approached like a B2B marketing funnel.

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In his year one, Ocean Wong has been working as an Account Coordinator at The Aber Group, a digital advertising agency where he manages paid advertising campaigns for charity, not-for-profit and small/medium business clients. Some of the things that Ocean and Blair discuss include overcoming perfectionist tendencies, working in a small vs. large advertising agency; and, why three heads are better than one.

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In their year one as a Digital Content Director in the arts and culture industry, Elle Marie has worked with clients from Diplo to The Tragically Hip on marketing communication strategies and content creation to bring them closer to their fans online and on social networks. Some of the things that Elle and Blair discuss include fighting all the battles and overcoming rejection to pursue the career of their dreams, knowing when to make a hard decision to let things die; and, the critical importance of living to attain to a value(s) vs. a goal(s)

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In his year one, Spencer’s been working at Simplistics, a custom web and app design and development company, where he wears many hats as Digital Project Manager from managing internal operations and projects to client service. Some of the things that Spencer and Blair discuss include how getting an unexpected referral changed his job search journey; the importance of doing research by reading job descriptions to help position yourself when you’re ready to apply; and, why it’s important to be honest in a job interview about what you don’t know.

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In his year one, Aja Jones has been working in community management and content marketing at Landscape Management Network (LMN), a B2B SaaS software company for the landscaping industry. Some of the things that Aja and Blair discuss include how saying “Yes!” to opportunities got him to where he wants to be–without him knowing he wanted to get there, what content marketing is and how to do it; and, how being confident in yourself and what you do doesn’t mean being arrogant. Oh yeah...there’s also the time he worked at Drake’s mansion and was a stand-in–or fake Drake–when filming a music video.

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In her year one, Hannah’s been building Clementine Digital, her B2B digital marketing company that partners with small business clients as their trusted marketing department. Some of the things that Hannah and Blair discuss include why small cities and towns are a great place to start a business–specifically one that provides marketing consulting services, the importance of self-awareness–and listening to the voice that says be yourself–as a driver for the entrepreneurial spirit, and how to grow a business without doing any advertising or promotion.

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In his year one, AK Seifeddine has had four different "month one's" in his role at M2T Collective, a full-time job that’s structured like a one-year marketing communication and media-focused training program with four rotations: brand, media agency, online platform/publisher and technology organizations. Some of the things that AK and Blair discuss include what it’s like to have multiple year one’s when you move to different countries, the reality of working in an advertising agency; and how being relatable is essential when trying to meet new people (call it “networking” if you must).

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In his year one, Masoud Farsi has been working in digital marketing at Feeding Canadian Kids, a charity that’s working to fill the dinner gap by providing healthy meals to hungry children. Some of the things that Masoud and Blair discuss include what it’s like to work as a marketing team of 1 in a charity organization, how not knowing what he wanted to do was important for Masoud’s job search; and, why a mindset of “Enjoying what you’re doing, rather than doing what you enjoy” can be important for your career.

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There’s a lot to deal with when you’re starting your career...Figuring yourself out. Meeting people. Searching for work. Getting hired. It’s a challenging game to play.

Hey folks, I’m Blair Smith, the founder of Year 1ne and host of the Year 1ne’s show. And I’ve played this game multiple times during my career. I’ve been bruised–losing hit points. I’ve had to restart. But I always powered up–and made it to the next level. I’ve gained lots of experience points along the way. And now I’m with you as you play the game.

In each episode, I welcome a guest who’s working in their first year (or so) in marketing. You’ll learn about different entry-level marketing roles, get walkthroughs of what year one is really like, along with ideas and tips for your job search. It’s a fresh mix of personal marketing, job search and career guidance to help you figure it out.

Our goal for Year 1ne is to make you more confident in the game.

So…are you ready to press start? Let’s play!

The Year 1ne's: Recent Episodes

Blair Smith