HAV: How did find your job at VanguardComm? Recruiter? Word of mouth? Job Bank?

MA: I found this job through a recruiter. I had a baby, and decided to stay home for a while, but one day I decided it was time to join the workforce again. So the next step was to network, approach different recruiters, and also look in some job banks.

HAV: Were you specifically looking for a position in diversity? If so, why?

MA: No, I was not looking for a position in diversity specifically. But when the recruiter approached me with the idea, I loved it. I thought it would be an amazing experience.

HAV: What are your responsibilities at VanguardComm?

MA: I do a little of everything. From creating media lists, to pitching the media, follow-up calls, e-mails, development of new press releases, assisting account executives with different tasks, media placements, etc.

HAV: What do you enjoy most about your work?

MA: The challenge; every day is a different day in the public relations field. It is a very fast paced industry. I love to learn, and this industry is new to me. It will be one year this coming March working here, but it feels like I have been doing PR for years.

The knowledge that I am taking from this experience is priceless. I see VanguardComm as a school.

I also love the fact that I am getting to know smart, wise, experienced people, such as my colleagues, and the editors from the different outlets. I have developed a nice professional relationship with some of them.

HAV: What have you learned about the vast potential of marketing brands to the diverse population of the US?

MA: I have learned a lot. I have learned that there is still so much to learn about marketing to diversity population. There are so many seminars, books, white papers on how to advertise, but I believe there is a lot more to know.

There are a lot of pre-conceived ideas, when it comes to the multicultural market, a lot of assumptions, which may not always be accurate. To be fair though, this market is not an easy market to study. But it has a lot of growth potential, and that is why smart companies are making efforts to study, understand and then propose ideas that cater to the multicultural market.
 
HAV: Do you feel that your background is a decided plus in your work? How so?

MA: Well, not completely. Yes, it helps me understand part of this market, but what is more important for any job is the knowledge and experience that you acquire with time.

HAV: What are your long-term career goals?

MA: I believe in the saying: “the sky is the limit” and I use that as my motto. Now that I found my niche, I am working towards my goals. My short-term goal is to become a publicist. My long-term goal is to have my own PR agency.