Occupation
Brand Manager
Academic Background
BA (IMC) – UFS (2007)
MDP – UP (2017)
BPHIL (HONS) – IMM (current)
How did your university experience prepare you for your current career?
The structured environment of learning has equipped me with the ability to plan methodically as well as execute with intention. The focus on theory, subject matter of concepts, and schools of thought enables one to consider all data available so as to make informed decisions in a working environment.
Which characteristics or skills are essential for the workplace?
Decision making, creativity, analytical thinking, and leadership.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
As a brand manager, I am surrounded by experts on a varied spectrum of disciplines. I am required to be precise, taking into consideration multiple business strategies (overarching business objectives), to be the custodian of brand architecture and marketing communications, and ultimately ensuring brand alignment and the desired market representation. Managing a brand efficiently is a major indicator of a company’s success or failure. The challenging part is ensuring that all these moving parts result in synergy.
What drives you to excel in your career?
I am driven by the fact that I have the platform to drive positive, progressive, and measurable change; this a humbling responsibility aligned with my life’s purpose to serve. Brands are not only about getting your target market to select you over the competition but about getting your prospects to see you as the sole provider of a solution to their problem or need. Knowing this propels to me to want to do so much more to succeed and excel in branding. Understanding the needs and wants of your customers and prospects is the ultimate basis for servitude.
What are the best opportunities for someone entering your career?
Flexibility: Brands are managed in-house (the company) as well as by external resources (agency). One has the opportunity to work on brands from either spectrum. Consultancy is also an option, depending on the level of expertise and experience.
New technology: The challenge of using data and analytical skills to solve problems and help your company/client market itself effectively.
Competitive remuneration.
Name three things you wish you had been told as a university student.
- Enjoy the learning journey. No academic exercise is futile. There is definitely a method to the madness.
- You will never know it all; be open to the viewpoints and perspectives of others (even those non-marketing related).
- Give it your best shot. Your university transcript is usually a requirement for recruitment and selection in the workplace.