Our Industry Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
This week we head to Sydney to speak to King Content senior editor and strategist, Jessica Hodkinson.
How long have you been in the industry?
Seven years.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
One year and five months.
What were you doing before this job and how did you get this gig?
I was working in a PR role at an agency previously and one of my clients told me about the great work being carried out at King Content at a time when I felt like a change. So, I made an enquiry and a few months later I was sat at a desk amongst a lovely bunch of people.
Define your job in one word:
Varied.
What were your real and cliché expectations of working in the industry?
I knew there would be a lot of buzzwords flying around and phrases like ‘low hanging fruit’. Plus everyone would be leaving the office around 10.30am to go and get a coffee fix.
How does the reality match up?
There is a whole lot of coffee and a whole lot of buzzwords.
How would you describe what the company does and what does your role involve?
King Content provides end to end content marketing campaigns for a variety of clients. It starts with strategy and goes all the way through to amplification and measurement.
I make sure we are telling stories that best represent the clients and that we are achieving results to meet their objectives.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Interesting people
Any major hard learnings in the job so far?
To check emails before sending. Damn auto correct.
If you had to switch over to another department, which would it be and why?
I would join the social team and have more excuse to post pictures on Instagram and Snapchat.
What's exciting you about the industry right now?
It’s developing quickly and with access to media intelligence we have ways of working smarter and more creatively. Every day is different and it keeps me on my toes.
What concerns you about the industry and its future?
As there is more and more content online, it becomes harder to cut through the clutter. I think we will have to work harder to capture the audience and use data in smarter to ways to make sure the right people are targeted.
Who's your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
I would usually say the obvious thing here - my manager - but I am going to say Belinda Henwood, our sub editor as she irons out any creases in my work and makes sure my sanity stays intact.
And your almighty mentor that you hope to dethrone?
I don’t actually have one but I do follow a lot of blogs and take my learnings from people within the business. I actually saw Turia Pitt speak at a conference a few weeks ago and she made me sit up and think about a few things. #girlboss
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in 2020 and how do you plan on getting there?
I see myself in a leadership position or possibly running my own company. I plan on doing what I have always done. Work hard, remain honest and achieve results.
What is the elephant in the room?
The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be. Robots will be taking our jobs!
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I chat to colleagues, read industry publications, blogs and newspapers. LinkedIn is also a great place for keeping up to date.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I appeared in an episode of the UK comedy Shameless.
Favourite advert is:
There are so many but I would have to say this one from Thinkbox:
What’s your personal motto?
Too many cooks spoil the broth.
I got into advertising/ad tech/marketing etc because:
I studied PR and Advertising at University and thought I would be rich one day.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
Working with a charity.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
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