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 Okkie Bellekens, sales coordinator, Val Morgan Outdoor.
Time in current role/time at the company:
A year and a half.
How long have you been in the industry?
This is my first job in the industry!
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I cannot say this job was in my "plan". Studying Criminology in my undergraduate degree, I never expected to end up in media – maybe just as Amy Santiago in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. However, by chance there was an opening at Val Morgan Outdoor and here I am.
Who is your right-hand person?
Sounds corny I know, but my mum. My guidepost for everything in life and the person I aspire most to be like, my mum is definitely my right-hand person.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The endless opportunities and possibilities. Best summed up by Cady Heron in Mean Girls, “The limit does not exist.”
And the biggest challenge?
Being semi-new to the industry when COVID-19 hit, I didn’t have a chance to meet and establish strong relationships with all our clients and online just isn’t the same – now most face-to-face meetings are back, this is definitely getting better. Oh and how could I forget not getting distracted by all the media puppos!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
To be honest, I don’t know yet. Ideally a role that allows me to make a positive impact on those who I work with.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Anything and everything. I love to immerse myself in different cultures, try new things, learn from those around me and experience everything. I believe being positive and open to new opportunities and experiences is how I find inspiration.
My favourite advert is:
The Iconic: Runway Everywhere starring The Inspired Unemployed
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I am terrible at singing … (they all know).
In five years’ time I’ll be:
Mum to a few dozen dogs. Workwise – leading a highly successful and driven team.
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