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.
Dalong Xing: client associate at iProspect
Time in current role/time at company:
10 months.
How long have you been in the industry?
10 months.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I was having an existential crisis as my 19th birthday was coming near, so I decided to apply for as many jobs as possible in all sorts of industries. One day I got a phone call from someone from the recruitment team, and since I was already studying for a degree in marketing and media, I decided to roll with it.
Having a full-time job while also studying full-time was never part of the plan. However, I can say that I have had zero regrets. Working at iProspect has taught me more than any school ever has, both in technical industry-related skills but also vital life skills such as negotiation and critical thinking.
Who is your right-hand who guides you day to day?
Although I wouldn’t call them my right hand, both Jen Meyer (my director) and Jaq Ness-Wilson (my executive) have been the sextant through my fantastical voyage in media since day one. Both are living renditions of iPro’s values of making it real and leadership. Being sandwiched between them in the office has helped me learn all the nitty-gritties of the media industry and they never fail to find opportunities to help me grow my knowledge.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It’s a tie between the people and the job itself. As mentioned above, I love everyone I work with – which is why I am in the office five days a week. On the job, every day we come across new challenges, but working at iProspect allows me to ideate creatively without limitations and overcome such challenges. When I was young, I dreamt of not having a classic nine-to-five job, but now, especially with the flexibility that iPro offers, I am loving it.
And the biggest challenge?
Balancing the everyday tasks and proactive learning. I love solving my clients’ challenges but also enjoy developing my media knowledge. As both are important, it is sometimes a challenge to find equal time for both. However, at iPro we are encouraged to take time out of our day to engage with learning materials which really helps.
Whose job have you see your sight on in the future?
Anyone that works at Google or Tiktok.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. Everyone in my office are amazing people who I look up to as they all work diligently and have accomplished great things. I even find inspiration in the real world or on social platforms such as tiktok.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you:
Some people may know this, but I was an accidental baby. But my parents say I was the “best accident ever”.
In fives years’ time I’ll be:
Rich, hopefully, but realistically, a university graduate and progressing my media journey.
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.