Vicky. Assistant Brand Manager - Marketing

Vicky is a twenty-four-year-old Assistant Brand Manager working in marketing for an FMCG brand. She is based in London and has been working in the industry for two years.

How did you get into your field? What inspired you?

‘Whilst at university, I worked as Brand Ambassador for a growing gin company over the summer. Seeing the brand flourish so quickly and the power of good marketing and branding activation inspired me to go into food and drink marketing.’

What did you study at university and did this help you get into your field?

‘I studied English Literature at university which has helped me with my analytical skills and enhanced my creativity, writing and communication skills.’

Do you recommend any particular studies, courses or degrees for your field?

‘I'm currently studying a professional certificate in marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. This has helped with my technical learning and my ability to adapt what I know from experience into tangible theories and processes associated with marketing. I would recommend having a look at the CIM courses for someone who didn't study marketing or business at university.’

What does an average day look like in your role?

‘Every day is pretty different. I've just started a new role at Terrys Chocolate Orange so my day is made up of project calls, ensuring project innovations are on track, talking to the factories, digital comms meetings, talking to agencies, preparing for sales meetings, chocolate sampling, influencer marketing strategy development - the list goes on!’

What is the best part of your role?

‘Aside from the free and regular chocolate, I love being part of a big brand that has so much brand love and awareness. Managing new product development is also super exciting and seeing the final product you have had a hand in developing is great.’

What is the worst part of your role?

‘It can be stressful at times as any job can be. My team is small so that can also be challenging sometimes as there aren't that many people to bounce off.’

How important is work/life balance to you and how much spare time do you have?

‘Work/life balance is important in any role. I normally take the approach that if something needs finishing at work, I get it done at work rather than take it home with me. Sometimes I have lots of spare time in the evenings and sometimes I have to stay later at the office. I think it is all about being adaptable and trying not to take work home with you to ensure you have a separate work-home life.’

Do you have any hobbies?

‘Yes, I play netball and love going out to eat with friends.’

Do you have any advice for people looking to start a career in the same field?

‘I think it is important to learn from those around you in marketing. It is not too complicated an industry but the people above you are crucial in the early stages. I also think choosing the right brand for you is important - ask yourself if a big brand with big budgets is more you than a smaller, ethical start up. There are pros and cons of both.’

Have you ever experienced any uncertainties about your career and what did you do to overcome them?

‘I have sometimes questioned whether I should have started off at an advertising agency rather than client side and whether that kind of experience, working across lots of different brands, is something that may have been beneficial to me. However I realised that I prefer dedicating myself to one brand and that the contact and relationships I have already had with agencies has taught me a lot!.’

Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?

‘Syl Saller - the CMO of Diageo. She is very vocal about the empowerment of future female leaders and has done some inspirational things at Diageo.’