Ally Burnell.
In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Hulsbosch account manager Ally Burnell
Time in current role/time at the company:
I started at Hulsbosch in March 2024, so only 8 months! Feel like I've been here for a lifetime though, Hulsbosch is like my second home.
How long have you been in the industry?
Almost 3 years now! Not long but it's still crazy to me how much I have grown in this short time.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
During my time in school, I initially set my sights on a career in nursing as I had a strong desire to help others in the health field. However, during my studies, I discovered my passion for working directly with clients and engaging in new and exciting projects. After this realisation, I decided to explore opportunities that combined my skills in communication, collaboration, and my love for project management. I started out as an account manager at a web development agency, but I really wanted to dive deeper into the creative side of things. I loved working with clients and managing projects, but I found myself wanting to be more involved in design. So, I made the jump to a design agency where I could work closely with creative teams. It’s been a great way to broaden my skills and really understand how design and development come together. Plus, I get to be part of more visually driven projects, which is super exciting!
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Even though I have only been at Hulsbosch for just 8 months, I have never learnt so much in such a short time period than I have with Carolyn Pitt. Carolyn is my mentor, the person who I can always go to when I'm in doubt, and who will always guide me in the right direction. Carolyn will always go above and beyond to ensure I completely understand anything she teaches me. Carolyn is not your average Manager, the term 'manager' (in my eyes, and I think in many others), is someone who a lot of people are afraid of or afraid to let down... Carolyn certainly does not fall under that, she is so patient, an active listener and super encouraging and supportive. I'll forever be grateful for even having the opportunity to look up to someone as great as her.
What is the best thing about the industry you work in?
I'd have to say the best thing about working in a design agency, in both the packaging and corporate teams, is the variety of projects I get to work on. Every day is different, whether I'm brainstorming cool packaging ideas with the consumer team or being a part of the branding strategies with the corporate team. It's awesome to see how our work really makes a difference for our clients and their customers, and just how much time, thought and consideration goes into our work. Working in a design agency is such a fun vibe, the culture is incredible and seeing our designers passion and love for their work is also so inspiring. As well as just how collaborative the work place is, everyone is so supportive, it's not just a one man show, we are a team.
And the biggest challenge?
This is a tough one, as of course any industry has its challenges. But in saying that, if there are no challenges.. that would make the job not as 'thrilling' in my eyes.
I'd say my biggest challenge would be balancing client expectations. And with that I mean a couple things; for starters, really gaining an understanding on my clients needs. Across all my clients, they all have different expectations, goals and visions for the projects we work on and it's my responsibility to understand their key objectives and preferences. Another one is managing my clients expectations on creativity vs practicality. My clients often have high hopes for our creative concepts, which we will always deliver, however I need to ensure that we are able to do so within the budget and timeline.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
In future, I do have my sights set on becoming client service director. It will give me the chance to better influence client relationships and strategies on a bigger scale and may have an even bigger impact on the agency's success.
My favourite piece of branding?
My favourite piece of branding would have to be seeing our teams designs come to life in the real world. Being able to be a part of the behind the scenes, seeing where it all started and all the hard work that's been put into the job then the end result is incredible. Being able to drive down the street and point out to my family and friends that this is our work is such a good feeling.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I'm sure everyone at Hulsbosch would be able to back me up when I say I have a pretty loud mouth in the office and are a very open book. However, I don't think many people know about my initial desire for nursing. I pretty much changed to the opposite career path. It was a dream of mine from a young age and I'm a firm believer that if you don't chase something like that you might regret it later. So, I gave it a go, and it wasn't exactly what I was looking for but maybe I wouldn't have found a new career path in the design world that I now love.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Five years; it's crazy to think in the past 3 years how much I have learned and experienced in multiple different aspects it's difficult to really know where I'll be. But, I do have high hopes (as mentioned previously to be a client service director) and to be able to lead and mentor other account managers, helping them grow. Plus, be more involved in high-level decisions and really making an impact on the agency. I'd love deeper connections with my future clients, which will help create long-lasting partnerships. Hopefully in 5 years I will have levelled up my communication and negotiation skills while tackling new challenges with larger accounts.
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