Today we’d like to introduce the super stylish and ever inspiring Katja to you guys. Some of you may know her as the person behind the blog “thIngs“, where she shares her passion for all the beautiful things that you don’t need but simply have to have. (Not only once have her daily “things” cost us a dime or two …) But in “real life” Katja works as an account director at “section d” design agency, which specializes in corporate design & publishing (customer magazines), as well as shop design. We’ve always found jobs in communication, whether it be journalism, advertising, PR or design, super interesting and loved getting a chance to chat with Katja about her job, how she got started in the industry and who she’d love to work with one day.
– How did you manage to make the transition from journalism into advertising?
As mentioned, I took a little “detour” through PR. PR and advertising are definitely close and in the same field, as are Journalism and advertising. I guess that fact made the transition easier. But still, I was lucky and fate brought me to advertising. I was at the CCA Gala where I met a woman who worked for Saatchi & Saatchi Vienna. There, I told her about my ambition to switch to the advertising business. A few weeks later she actually contacted me and told me that Saatchi & Saatchi was looking for an account executive. I applied and got the job as account executive for one of the biggest clients in Austria – A1 (a cellular, tv & internet provider).
– Currently you’re working as an account director for “section d”, design agency. What does your daily routine at the job look like?
When I’m not on the phone, I’m writing emails. I’m kind of a hub between the clients and the creations team. I write briefings and keep an eye on the timings and costs. The goal is always an outcome which satisfies both sides – the client and the agency.
– What is your favorite part about the job & why?
Everyday is different. Different projects. Different challenges. Different people. It never gets boring.
– Which personality traits or attributes do you think are important for being successful as an account director in advertising?
You have to be an organizational talent because you don’t only have to organize the projects, but also some of the people you work with to keep them on schedule. And you have to have a passion for advertising! Otherwise it might be hard to fight for your goals.
– If you could pick one person, brand or company to work with, who/which would it be & why?
I can’t name a specific brand or person. But in general it is always a great challenge to do a brands’ relaunch. Transforming the look & feel of a brand is very inviting.
– Lastly, do you have any advice for girls looking to get their foot in the door with an advertising agency?
Follow your dreams! Even if it might be hard to get an entry because there are so many who want to work in the advertising business, never give up. There are a lot of great agencies out there. Just apply – but don’t do it with a boring application! You wanna work in the creative industry. Proof that you fit into it with your application which should be different (but not exaggerated or unnatural).
