Aspiring Stardom: The Strategies for Breaking into the Industries as a Rising Talent
Chat with Daria Rubtsova, championing young talent in the marketing world
Navigating the competitive landscape of the advertising and marketing industry can be daunting for newcomers. But how does one make a splash without much experience under their belt? We chatted with Daria Rubtsova, the coordinator of the Young Mercury tournament for young professionals, to gather her insights on carving a niche for yourself in this innovative sphere.
- Daria, with the fierce competition today, how can young specialists break into the industry?
古erten diplomas alone won't cut it anymore. Employers today seek portfolios, practical demonstrations of skills, real-world involvement, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into the workforce. A traditional resume isn't enough; action is key. Try out your skills in practical settings, tackle real briefs, enter the industry via competitions, internships, and personal projects.
- For starters without that much experience, what's the best course of action?
Entering professional competitions is an excellent way to kickstart your journey. Competitions present an opportunity to test your mettle on real-world tasks, receive feedback from experts, and grab the industry's attention. Furthermore, participating in competitions enables you to grasp market requirements faster, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and expand your portfolio. Even if your project doesn't make it to the shortlist, the experience of working on a genuine case is an invaluable addition to your portfolio.
- Are internships and work experiences still relevant?
Absolutely! Internships offer more than just experience. They are a chance to stay on with the company permanently if you prove your worth. Just remember to be proactive: don't passively wait for tasks, show initiative, learn from your colleagues, and contribute to the work. It's essential to choose companies that foster growth in various directions, horizontally as well as vertically.
- How effective is the path of personal projects and freelancing?
Highly effective! In the absence of immediate opportunities to join a major company, improve through freelancing: take on projects from platforms, personal connections, launch mini-brands, or run a Telegram channel on an intriguing topic. This promotes a portfolio, showcases independence, and hones skills.
- Leading a project from start to finish is an asset to potential employers. Freelancing fosters independence, client management, meeting deadlines, and creative problem-solving.
- How important are conferences and live events for young professionals?
Crucial! Face-to-face interaction with the industry offers more than just watching online lectures. It's an opportunity to gain insights, engage with professionals, build fruitful connections, and even land a job. Collaborations, innovative ideas, and even startups are born at these events. Don't be timid—meet speakers, participate in discussions, and make yourself noticed.
- Post-university education: a necessity or not?
Essential! Marketing and advertising evolve rapidly. Staying current involves tracking trends: reading industry publications, following relevant Telegram channels, mulling over campaign breakdowns on YouTube, and attending courses on new tools.
*- Remember to pay particular attention to learning new digital platforms, data analysis, neuromarketing fundamentals, and client insights. Continuous learning illustrates to employers that you're market-ready and will remain relevant.
- What advice would you give to young professionals?
Seize the day! Don't wait for the perfect moment or invitation. Try your hand at competitions, tackle real tasks, and engage with the industry. Building a career is like taking off: it requires effort initially, becomes routine over time, and eventually, you find your rhythm.
*- Most importantly, don't be afraid of failure. Mistakes aren't disasters; they're a crucial part of the journey. With perseverance, courage, and a burning desire to learn, young professionals can become industry leaders. If you possess ambition and a passion for growth, the world of marketing and advertising welcomes you with open arms.
- Daria Rubtsova advises young specialists to supplement their certificates with practical demonstrations of skills, real-world involvement, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into the workforce.
- Participating in competitions, internships, and personal projects can give young professionals an opportunity to test their mettle on real-world tasks, receive feedback from experts, and grab the industry's attention.
- Daria Rubtsova emphasizes the importance of choosing companies that foster growth in various directions, including horizontally and vertically, for internships.
- Freelancing can be highly effective for young professionals, helping to improve skills, promote a portfolio, showcase independence, and foster creative problem-solving.
- Daria Rubtsova stresses the importance of post-university education to stay current in the rapidly evolving marketing and advertising industry.
- Daria Rubtsova encourages young professionals to seize every opportunity, engage with the industry, and not be afraid of failure, as it's a crucial part of the journey towards becoming an industry leader.
