Young Gun profiles takes a look at the young talent across the Australian advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector. Aiming to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Caitlin Watters: partnerships trader at UM
Time in current role/time at company:
I joined Mediabrands in October 2022, so almost a year now. I began as a performance coordinator at Reprise with a focus on paid social channels. Since then, I’ve worked as a performance executive and most recently moved to a partnerships trader role. It’s been a rollercoaster ride already, and I’m loving it.
How long have you been in the industry?
I’m a newbie. Just a year!
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Marketing was always the goal, however, I didn’t even know agency was an option. I was still completing my degree when a friend encouraged me to apply as she was already working at IPG. The rest as they say, is history.
Who is your right-hand who guides you day to day?
I'm grateful to have incredible mentors in Brett Eastwood, client partner and Justine Cristini, performance director. They've both been instrumental in finding and nurturing my passion in media; challenging my ideas; and supporting me in exploring different avenues. Together they are my biggest cheerleaders and biggest professional inspirations. I love working alongside them both.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It’s undeniably communication. You'll hear me before you see me because I live to talk. Whether it's meeting new people, brainstorming new ideas, delivering presentations, or collaborating closely with my team, partners, and clients, the power of communication is what drives excitement and energy in media.
And the biggest challenge?
Keeping media activity grounded in purpose. It is very easy to forget that these campaigns go beyond the brief and our office walls. We always hold purpose and intention at the forefront of our campaigns to make sure we are staying authentic and engaged with the world around us.
Whose job have you set your sight in the future?
I have my sights set on a role in strategy. I believe that gaining experience in various areas of both traditional and digital marketing will provide me with a strong foundation for pursuing those roles in the future.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
For the most part, I find inspiration in my friends and family. They mean the world to me, and I am grateful for every one of them. Ultimately, I see media and marketing as a reflection of society showcasing the lives of ordinary individuals much like my friends and family.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you:
I would say that I love to bake, however, my team is possibly a little too familiar with the output of that hobby it couldn’t possibly be a secret.
In five years’ time, I’ll be:
I’m not really sure! I like the idea of keeping my options open to see where my strengths lead me. Something that combines critical thinking and leadership management would be ideal. Although I know for certain I’ll somehow still be baking for my team…
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