Our Young Gun profile takes a look at some of the young talent across the advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Today we speak to Ipsos senior research executive Steph Perry.
Time at the company:
One year, two months.
How long have you been in the industry?
One year, two months.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
No this wasn’t always the plan! Believe it or not, I started out in a Bachelor of Creative Arts, majoring in theatre. Long story short – I ended up completing a Bachelor of Science (Psychology), Diploma of Graphic Design and a Master of Business (Integrated Marketing Communication) and while I knew I wanted to work in marketing somewhere - I was still lost! I worked in digital marketing for a few years until I stumbled across a role at Ipsos and I completely fell in love with market research. It was the dream job I never even knew to dream about.
Who guides you day to day?
Nonie Finlayson – the best damn problem solver and all-round advice giver I have ever met.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
I find human behaviour fascinating and creativity is my lifeblood. So I am thrilled that I get to be on the ground listening, observing and questioning people on their perspectives and behaviour - and then developing creative ideas to solve big problems.
And the biggest challenge?
Pulling together research data and objectives to create a tangible impact for clients. It’s pretty hard and requires a lot of experience - plus that wonderful, natural, gooey essence that is strategic intuition. I’m working on it!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I’m not sure yet where exactly I would like to go yet – it changes every day! So, my aim is to try everything I possibly can and be open to any and all possibilities the industry has to offer.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
If I’m really struggling with something and need some inspiration, I turn to my colleagues in my office in Brisbane – a small, scrappy bunch of professionals from a wide range of research areas and operating at all levels across the business.
My favourite advert is:
An oldy but a goodie – I love “Not happy, Jan!” by Yellow Pages. It’s got great comedic timing and was very relatable for business owners at the time.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I’m a bit of an over-sharer at work so this one is quite hard… My dad was on Facebook before me - I wasn’t on social media until my partner set up a Facebook account for me in 2012.
In five years' time I'll be:
Not where I am now - that’s all I know for sure. I don’t have a big five-year plan – I tried that once, but it felt very limiting and I wouldn’t be in the job I have and love today if I had stuck to it. What I do know is that progress is a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck and circumstance, so I’m ready to do the work and take opportunities as they come.
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
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.