The Monday Meeting Featured Career: Account Executive

It’s that time of the month again, here’s another Featured Career for you guys!

Please welcome Rachel! I’m especially excited about this months featured career because Rachel’s job is very, very similar to mine. We both work as Account Executives at PR/Marketing agencies. So for all of you that were wondering what I do for 30 hours a week, Rachel more or less answers your question in this blog post!

1. What exactly is your job and job title?

Account Executive & Social Media Specialist at AGP & Associates

2. Describe a typical day in your work life?

A typical day working at a marketing communications firm can really vary. I change tasks often throughout the day and sometimes am pulled into meetings at random. But, here is a taste of what I do:

• Write news releases and copy for marketing materials, such as direct mail, marketing e-mails, newsletters, landing pages, advertisements
• Perform research for various projects. This can range from finding the perfect stock photos for a series of ads to checking up on what a client’s competition is doing in the social media sphere to compiling media lists.
• Research new business, create presentations and pitch to potential clients.
• Meet with other members of the team to determine which social media strategies would work well for our clients.
• Write proposals and tactical plans, especially when related to social media.

3. What’s your favourite thing about your job? Least favourite?

I love the variety of working at a firm. Additionally, since I work at a small firm, I get the opportunity to get very involved on a lot of different projects.

My least favorite aspect lately has been dealing with salespeople. Since I compile media lists for advertising, the ad sales people at magazines are constantly “following up” with me. The constant interruption of phone calls wears on your nerves.

4. How did you end up on this career path?

At our PRSSA spring conference at Central Michigan University during my freshman year, I listened to a professional talk about working an a PR agency. It sounded so exciting, so I job shadowed at the same agency during my sophomore year. After being an account executive in our student-run PR firm and interning at both Fahlgren Mortine in Columbus, Ohio and at AGP, I was positive that I wanted to launch my career at an agency. Someday I’d like to start my own agency.

5. What is something about your job that people wouldn’t expect?

Sometimes the tasks I have to do are completely random. For example, last week I was a hand model. I held a product for the graphic designer to take photos. At a small firm, you play a role in literally every aspect of the business.

6. If you could describe your career in one word, what would that word be and why?

Evolving.

Not only is the field of communications evolving because of social media and the changes in traditional media, but my role is constantly evolving as my skills grow.

7. Anything else you’d like to add?

In addition to my job at AGP, I freelance as the managing editor of Vision Mid Michigan. My job as an editor has given me a chance to see PR from the other side. I receive news releases and have to determine their newsworthiness. I also manage a team of freelancers, which can be a challenge. But, I absolutely love the job and how it has helped me grow my skills.

I totally relate to her answer to #5! Sometimes I get to do really random (but fun) tasks. This week I am staining our deck chairs. A few paid hours spent in the nice sun painting and away from the desk/computer? I’ll take it!

Question for the readers today is:

If you could describe your career in one word, what would that word be and why?