Life-Changing Connections with Aki Mohan | Leaping back into agency life
Something that is very important to us at Hunt & Co. is sharing the career stories and journeys of the life-changing connections our team make every day. After all, no two career paths are ever the same.
Marketing Manager Aki Mohan reached out to Hunt & Co. in March 2021 on the lookout to start the next stage of her career. Within just two weeks of meeting with the Hunt & Co. team, she was interviewing for a role that perfectly met her skill set. Aki is now thriving in her new forever job as a Marketing Manager at a Brisbane digital marketing agency and we couldn’t be happier. Currently, three months into her new role, we wanted to chat with Aki about her experience job hunting, working with Hunt & Co. and diving back into agency life.
So welcome to Hunt & Co.’s first #LifeChangingConnections feature with Aki Mohan. Let’s get into it…
How did you end up working in this industry?
I was trying to break into the Fashion Design industry and unexpectedly ended up in Marketing. After completing post-graduation, I entered a nationwide fashion design competition sponsored by Glue Store and when I left the final round of presentations, the Head of Marketing offered me a role. A few days later, I ended up winning the competition and the bonus was that they hired me to join the design team. I accepted but soon after that, they noticed my talent for marketing so I ended up taking care of that too and loving it.
Tell us, how did you end up in your current role?
I had just gotten back from London and was in quarantine in Sydney when Ben from Hunt & Co. found me for a sales role. After the first interview with my now manager, I realised that the role wasn’t for me. But instead of turning me away or trying to force-fit my skills – they made a new role that compliments my skills. By the end of quarantine, I had a new job. So that was a pretty productive use of 14 days!
What is it about your current role that made you transition?
I’ve always wanted to work in a start-up and was craving more responsibility, wanting to contribute more and learn aggressively. The experience you receive at a start-up is priceless and the feeling of creating things from scratch is so rewarding.
What made you decide to make the leap back into agency life?
This one is a little tricky because working at Digital Six has given me the best of both worlds. I love the fast-paced nature and wide array of experience that you receive at an agency but I also love watching a company grow long term. Being a Marketing Manager at Digital Six allows me to help the company grow but also contribute client-side too – it’s a win-win!
After 12 months living and working in the UK during a pandemic, how have you found that transition back into the Australian market? Did you have to overcome any unique challenges?
The transition back to the Australian market has been quite positive. Australia’s initial quick response to the pandemic meant that employers and businesses were performing much better here than in the UK (factor in multiple lockdowns and Brexit). A unique challenge that I had to overcome was getting employers to be more open to new digital marketing trends, strategies and technology. Given that London is a business hub with leading head offices, I assumed it would have a very open and modern approach to digital marketing but it was often traditional.
How did you enjoy your experience overall working with Hunt & Co.?
I loved my experience with Ben – helping people is truly his calling! In my 8 years of working in the industry, I have never come across someone so genuine, honest and helpful. He’s truly an asset to the team.
What is the best career advice you have ever received?
You know it’s time to change your job when you’re giving more than you’re getting.
What is one tip or word of advice you would give to someone looking for a new role?
Make a proposal. I used to struggle with interviews until I started making mini proposals. I put together a simple strategy of the changes I would make if hired and it shows that I’ve made effort, have new ideas, and gives a preview of my skills in practice.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your role?
You get extremely emotionally invested when working in a start-up. The team is small and close-knit. You know that this is your manager’s dream so it means so much more and you’re aware that funds and resources aren’t limitless like a bigger organisation. All of this regularly plays in your mind and you think and even over-think each decision because you REALLY want to do what’s best for the company.
Thanks so much to Aki for chatting to us. If you’re looking for your next role or team member in the digital marketing and sales space, reach out to Hunt & Co. here.