Employer
Cramer Krasselt
Title/Occupation
Associate Media Director
What are your job responsibilities/duties?
I work at Cramer Krasselt as an Associate Media Director. I work on two different clients (local & national) and I am in charge in overseeing their media budget, presenting comprehensive media plans (TV, Radio, streaming audio/video, digital, social, search, print, OOH, etc). I make sure the media plan recommendations fit client needs and are excited properly in market. I am also in charge of reporting on client media plans and applying learnings to future recommendations. Staying on top of media trends to apply to future recommendations is key responsibility as well. Lastly, I am in charge of leading a team of 6 people and managing client expectations on daily basis.
What does a typical day look like?
The thing about media planning is there is no typical day. I am working across different media types, budgets, and clients at all times of the day. I also have to work across an integrated team here at my agency (PR, Account Management, creative, etc). A typical day is being flexible and efficient with your time to get the job done and meet client needs.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I work at an amazing agency of talented people and I have great clients! This makes my job enjoyable despite any challenges or long hours. I also love that my job covers comprehensive media plans ( all media channels & creative) so you get to see the entire picture of your clients work.
What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
Balancing multiple deadlines across multiple accounts or managing difficult client expectations.
What on-campus activities were you involved with? Where did you gain relevant experience?
University of Illinois swimming (freshman year), AAF, NSAC, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, study abroad spring semester in Verona, Italy.
AAF was an amazing club to be in and I also was selected for NSAC, which gave me relevant experience for the industry along with networking opportunities.
Study abroad was the best thing I did during college. It opened my eyes to so many new people, opportunities, etc. I am always the first person to recommend someone do this!
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your professional life? For this specific position?
Contacts, contacts, contacts!
University of Illinois had amazing clubs and a network of alumni that were extremely helpful when finding a job. I did a ton of resume seminars, informational interviews, summer internships etc. to prepare me for my career.
What advice do you have for students interested in this field?
Be true to yourself, work hard and prove yourself to your team/upper management. This will get you VERY far.
Never burn bridges - manage your relationships well b/c the industry is small. The better relationships you have with your clients, vendors, co-workers, etc. the better your career will be.
What is one thing that you know now that you wish you had known when you started in the field? When you graduated from the College?
It's not how you start - its how you finish.
