In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Assembled Media media associate Chelsea Schultz.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I've been in my role as a Media Coordinator at Assembled Media for one year, having started in January 2024.
How long have you been in the industry?
My current role is my first role within the industry.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
From an early age, I was drawn to creative expression through visual media. My academic journey at RMIT in 2020 led me to specialise in advertising, also exploring journalism, PR and media.
The Assembled Group's graduate program became my breakthrough opportunity into the industry, offering hands-on experiences across creative, PR, media and web design. While initially aspiring to join a creative agency, dreaming of crafting those big, game-changing ideas as an art director, my perspective transformed during my Assembled Media internship.
The agency's dynamic culture, inspiring people, and fast-paced rhythm brought new challenges, excitement and its own creativity. By January 2024, I was thrilled to be offered the position as media associate, eager to leverage my skills and continue contributing to our agency's innovative vision.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Day-to-day at Assembled Media, I have the privilege of working under Samantha Murphy, our client manager, and Brad Easton, our planning director. Early in the role, watching the planning process for a campaign come to life was what truly hooked me on media. There’s a magic in the perfect blend of mathematics, consumer behaviour insights, data, and creativity - the formula behind most great campaigns.
Working closely with Sam has also highlighted the importance of relationships in our tech-driven industry. She’s shown me how building strong connections with clients and partners can be a game-changer. At the heart of it, clients come to an agency not just for strategy or execution but for the people—the way we make them feel about their brand and the messages they share with the world. That human touch is what sets great agencies apart.
What is the best thing about the industry you work in?
The young and dynamic culture - as a young professional, I've already experienced the thrill of competition and recognition. In 2024, just six months into my career, I secured the runner-up position in Pitch-Chella Australia, competing against 20 teams. This achievement led to an invitation to the inaugural IMAA Pitch-Chella awards ceremony, where we met the charity clients we were honoured to work with. The media industry offers numerous development opportunities. Currently, I'm preparing for the Young Lions 2025 competition, which exemplifies the industry's commitment to nurturing emerging talent
And the fast pace - the media industry's fast-paced nature ensures no two days are alike. Coordinating and supporting 13 diverse client accounts - from Qatar Airways to BIC Australia - provides an exciting professional landscape. My day-to-day combines creative challenges and analytical thinking, offering me a great environment to learn, grow, and make an impact.
And the biggest challenge?
When I first entered the industry, I was admittedly unaware of the true purpose of a media agency and how it fits into the intricate web of stakeholders shaping a business’s public image and branding. Especially with the rapid development in tech – there was a lot to learn and quickly!
Ironically, my biggest challenge has also become my greatest opportunity. At Assembled Media, we are a dynamic but rapidly growing indie agency with over 20 clients of all sizes. Here I’ve been able to work across a wide range of responsibilities as one of only two Coordinators. Balancing and prioritising tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I’m fortunate to have a supportive team who help me manage my workload while still pushing me to grow.
The small-team dynamic has also been a game-changer for my development. It’s given me countless opportunities to step up and take on responsibilities that have expanded my skill set at an accelerated pace and helped me achieve my career progression goals far sooner than I ever expected.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
I'm particularly drawn to roles that combine strategic thinking, creativity and focuses on client relationships. My goal is to continue growing my expertise in strategy and planning, taking on more responsibility wherever possible.
To answer the question, our Planning Director’s.
Brad, start updating the LinkedIn.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
I get inspiration from many areas of my life.
LinkedIn and industry news are my go-to for updated on industry geniuses who are changing the way we advertise. I’m currently drawing inspiration from media personalities like Steph and Laura from Kic, who've basically turned brand building and activations into an art form.
TikTok, is also a big one (as a Gen Z I can’t stay away). I love spotting influencers who are totally killing it with personal brands and are participating in super creative brand partnerships that reach audiences in unprecedented ways. Creators like The Inspired Unemployed are proving that if you can make people laugh, you can sell anything.
On a personal level, my secret weapon for inspiration is travel. Taking time to escape the day-to-day grind always provides fresh perspectives – new foods, languages, and landmarks never fail to spark my creativity. And let's be honest, a mojito by the beach doesn't hurt the inspiration process either.
Tell us one thing people at work don't know about you?
I am what many would call the workplace ‘yapper’, so there isn’t too much mystery surrounding me.
One talent I don’t often share is that I had professional voice training growing up and was a musical theatre kid, so I can hit a note or two. The theatrical side of me has proven to be an unexpectedly useful skill in the media industry.
In five years' time I'll be..
Short-term vision: I'm passionate about expanding my professional network and deepening my industry connections.
Long-term vision: Setting my sights high – I'd love to be a Planning Director or Strategist. The path isn't super clear yet as I continue to discover where my skill set lies. I'd also be open to, at some point, working within a larger holding company and experiencing a different workplace dynamic (and of course seeing if that grass is any greener). Ultimately, I'm eager to take the right opportunities as they come my way.
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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