In this series, AdNews spotlights young talent in the Australian media, marketing and advertising sector. This time it's Nexxen data analyst Grace Cheng.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I work as a cheerful data analyst in the solutions team at Nexxen, and I have been in this position for almost two years now.
How long have you been in the industry?
I’ve had the privilege of being part of this dynamic world of media for the past two years. As someone who is fairly new to the industry, I was drawn to the intersection of media and emerging technologies. My experience so far has ignited my passion and deeper appreciation for this industry.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
Interestingly, my current path wasn’t initially part of my plan. After graduating from UNSW with a degree in Computer Science, focused on Artificial Intelligence, my plan was to work in the IT or AI industry. Alternatively, I also enjoyed consulting work. It was my previous manager, Max Rivera, that gave me the opportunity to work as a data analyst at Amobee (now, Nexxen). While it wasn’t my plan A, I’m enjoying and liking this industry very much.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
I am very grateful to my former manager, Max, and my current manager, Jay Kim, director or analytics and platform solutions at Nexxen, for being my guiding force. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in my professional journey. Not only have they encouraged every idea that crossed my mind – some of which might even be considered over-imaginative – but they’ve also actively fostered an environment conducive to exploring and implementing them. This freedom has enabled me to innovate and develop different data products without constraints.
Beyond the scope of our work, they also offer invaluable insights into shaping my career trajectory. In many ways, I view my work under their mentorship as both a course and field of study, with Jay and Max serving as my esteemed teachers.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
The most compelling thing about working in the media industry is undoubtedly its dynamic nature. In the last year alone, the media industry has changed so much. At Nexxen, not only have we experienced a surge in new partnerships, but we’ve also obtained our own ACR data, a development that excites me as a data analyst. The influx of new data presents more opportunities, as well as a fresh set of challenges that I can’t wait to tackle.
And the biggest challenge?
The media industry has a longstanding history, which encompasses a breadth of content that I’m not sufficiently familiar with. It’s an industry that changes rapidly, so one of my biggest challenges is to determine how best to seize the next opportunity.
The pressing question of defining the next era looms large: Will it be driven by the transformative power of data analytics or by ground-breaking advancements in AI technology? Balancing the need to stay rooted in tradition while embracing innovation is a perpetual challenge that requires keen foresight and adaptability.
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
In mapping out my future career path, I find myself drawing inspiration from both of my managers.
Max taught me how to balance work and life. When work gradually turned me into a repetitive robot, Max would immediately give me advice to rekindle my passion for work and plan accordingly. He also introduced me to the idea of data changing the media industry.
Jay, on the other hand, taught me how to face problems at work with a stable mindset, remaining unflustered, but with a high ability to solve problems. His work ethic keeps me passionate about my job, while his optimism creates a cheerful atmosphere.
I’d be lucky to follow in either of their footsteps or maybe even carve my own path, based on invaluable learnings from both Max and Jay.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Most of my inspiration comes from daily interactions I share with my colleagues. These conversations not only unveil the genuine needs of our clients, but also ignites ideas about new data products we can offer.
Additionally, I also read news and articles around media and AI to stay up to date with new trends and technologies. This continuous learning process helps me maintain a clear perspective on opportunities where AI technologies can be integrated into our current work.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I may work in the media industry, but I don't have a TV at home. In fact, I rarely watch TV shows or use social media, so I guess I'm not the perfect 'targeting' audience. Following my colleagues' recommendations, I am gradually embracing these products of the new era... like, oh, Instagram, Facebook.
In five years' time I'll be:
Thriving in the media industry, collaborating with my colleagues and creating new media value through data science and AI technology.
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