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In this interview we asked Caila about how her creative writing degree qualifies her for a career as a Brand Strategist. It wasn’t until she began working at a bookstore, that she realized she had an interest in branding. Thinking that a big company would never consider her resume for this position, she would prove her talent in the family business.
Caila studied several different subjects that interested her. However, she had difficulty identifying an appealing career path that would come from these different concentrations. To keep her options open, Caila decided on a creative writing major with a French minor.
After graduation she got a job at B&N. This exposed her for the first time to the 1-on-1 customer service experience, which in turn sparked the realization that she could use her writing skills to influence people’s experience in the store.
Caila then wanted to learn more about her family’s growing candy business. What better place to learn than by managing the small store, where they made the candy and packaged it. This enabled her to interact with customers, help with the packaging and learn the types of candy they offered.
Caila got a job opportunity with a non-profit organization dedicated to improving mental health. It turned out to be a very difficult and emotionally draining job. She continued to help with Red Kite Candy while she was away, but later realized that she was better suited for the family business.
Caila decided to move back home and work full-time for Red Kite Candy. While still managing the store and attending to their customers, she now develops new marketing and branding ideas, new candy ideas, new packing and new employees outfits, that fit with the company’s colors and culture.
Brand Strategists ensure a consistent and effective brand message. They find ways to enhance or renew a company’s message or products by looking at trends and analyzing data.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, all areas in marketing will continue to be essential as organizations seek to manage data, new products/services and growth nationally and globally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & salary.com
Overall employment in market research, advertising, promotions, strategy and marketing management is projected to grow by 8%.
$62,251 per year.
This varies depending on region, company, education and experience.
Typical 0-2 years experience.
A student can earn that experience while in school by doing an internship.
Typical entry-level education:
Bachelor’s Degree.
Sometimes it takes creating your own job & opportunity
to be able to do those things you know you can do.
A professional in a Marketing position, needs to continue learning by either attending seminars, listening to podcasts or reading books on different subjects like changing industries, new technologies, or different cultures. A solid understanding of economics, sales, psychology, human behavior, creative writing, principles of code, apps, SEO, email marketing, online advertising, and social media is key.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
– Helen Keller
