Account Supervisor @ King Ursa with Kru Jayakumar
Kruthika and Blair discuss why a portfolio of different work will set you apart in the job search, we compare what’s it’s like to work in an agency vs. brand/client side; and, how to answer the one question you’re gonna get asked in any marketing job interview.
About Kruthika (Kru) Jayakumar
Kru works as an Account Supervisor at King Ursa, where she’s been “living and breathing the advertising lifestyle in Toronto”. Before moving to Canada, Kru earned an undergraduate degree in Journalism in India which sparked an interest in exploring advertising. She dabbled in both agency and client side for a few years before following her heart to choose the agency life. With her new career goal set, she moved to Canada to refresh her skills and continue her journey in advertising.
The Highlights and Hottest Takes 🔥
How Kru Got the Job
Kru applied to job posting from King Ursa, but did some research first because it’s not a widely known advertising agency. She was attracted by their story, the “cool vibe and full service offering”. After making initial contact with somebody in HR, Kru emailed the hiring manager her portfolio.
“I was told that made the biggest difference. My portfolio was the main reason why they decided to hire me.”
Mistake Made
Not looking for mistakes. (Wait...what?) You need to be detail oriented. As an account person in it’s important to look for mistakes on behalf of your client. “Assume there are mistakes. When you execute something online for the client, you’re representing them.”
Lesson Learned
Set goals and advocate for yourself. “It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of the job doing all the day-to-day.” Make sure you talk to your manager about your goal(s). This will lead to opportunities for you. “It’s good for self-growth. What do you want for yourself in this role?”
Pro Tip
Put everything in your portfolio. Well, not exactly, but relevant assignments/projects you’ve done in school, ideas you’ve come up with yourself can go into it. It doesn’t all have to be from a job/paid work. “Everything is transferrable!”
Segments
Kru's Year 1ne @ King Ursa
1:53 | Introduction from Kru
3:10 | Agency overview of King Ursa
4:50 | Working in advertising as Account Executive vs. Account Supervisor
8:55 | Managing multiple clients
11:35 | Working as a marketing communication generalist
15:45 | Essential technology for client service
17:55 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
25:05 | Trying both client-side and advertising agency
30:30 | Looking for a job in advertising
33:20 | Getting hired at King Ursa
35:10 | What to put into your portfolio
40:05 | Hardest part of the job search
42:25 | Every work experience is transferrable
44:30 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question
Things I've Learned in Year 1ne
49:05 | Rookie mistake on not looking for mistakes
50:50 | Lesson learned on setting goals and advocating for yourself
54:00 | Wrap-up
Re(Sources)
- Connect with Kruthika Jayakumar: LinkedIn
- Brands/organizations: King Ursa | Simons | Knix
- Marketing and media tools: Microsoft 365 | Google Workspace | ChatGPT | Jasper.ai
- Connect with The Year 1ne’s host Blair Smith: LinkedIn
Credits
- Created and Produced by Blair Smith
- Hosted by Blair Smith
- Mixed and Mastered by Ray Harripaul
Sponsor(s)
N/A for this episode...Interested in being a sponsor of The Year 1ne's Show? Drop us a line via email 😀
Kruthika Jayakumar
Account Supervisor at King Ursa/ Evolving Marketer / Dancer/ Yoga Junkie
I've got a flair for learning new skills and evolving like no other.
Born in India, I professionally ventured extensively in performing arts and film from the young age of twelve. I found advertising when I was bored and wanted to explore my interests after earning my degree in Journalism. After dabbling both agency and client side for a few years, my heart chose the agency life and I refreshed my skills and career goals.
Now equipped with a masters in digital marketing, I've been living and breathing advertising in the Toronto Agency World for the past year and a half.
