Programmatic Associate @ Initiative with Kunal Makhija
Kunal and Blair discuss the steps in the paid advertising campaign lifecycle in a full-service agency, why it’s important find your voice in your year one; and, how creating vision boards help Kunal make his goals a reality–including his vision board for the job search.
About Kunal Makhija
"Be the change" and “Try everything twice” are two mantras Kunal has embodied, and they both take a big part in all the decision-making he does. Kunal likes to face challenges head-on and he’s tried multiple things to find a career path that aligns with his passions and skills. After exploring various options such as public relations, finance, social media, and event management that he just “wasn’t happy doing”, Kunal has found his happiness in programmatic advertising where he’s currently working as an Associate – Digital Activation at Initiative, a full-service global media agency.
The Highlights and Hottest Takes 🔥
How Kunal Got the Job
Kunal approached at job search like he was on a dating app trying to find love, “I didn’t want it to be a one-sided thing.” He made a vision board, did research, looked on Glassdoor, narrowed down list of companies that seemed like a great fit for him. Then he reached out to the hiring manager.
“I only applied to companies I wanted to work at. When I applied I didn’t half ass it. I took time to write a custom cover letter and resume. When I was ready, I reached out to the hiring manager.”
Mistake Made
Jeopardized a chance at a promotion. “I didn’t vocalize when I should have, and I didn’t use the right words.” Got feedback from my manager on how to communicate more effectively about asking for a promotion.
Lesson Learned
Find a good pace. Don’t try to do everything at once (“run”) do fewer things better (“walk”). “I felt a bit burned out at the end of the year.”
Pro Tip
Try everything twice. Especially for a negative experience, when you try something for first time it might not be in right circumstance/environment, so give it a try again to see if it changes.
Segments
Kunal's Year 1ne @ Initiative Media
1:55 | Introduction for Kunal
2:10 | Overview of Initiative Media
3:10 | Working on 35 campaigns in 1 year
5:30 | Why programmatic advertising?
7:10 | Outlining the paid advertising campaign lifecycle in a large agency
14:15 | Essential skills and technologies
18:30 | The need to “learn and unlearn”
20:05 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
24:20 | Moving to Canada
26:45 | The attraction of marketing
28:40 | Getting hired at Initiative Media
31:00 | Using vision boards to achieve your goals
33:15 | Hardest part of the job search
37:55 | How did previous work experience help?
39:40 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question
Things I've Learned in Year 1ne
41:25 | Mistake made on pushing for a promotion
45:05 | Rookie mistake on being confident vs. overconfidence
46:05 | Lesson learned on pacing yourself
47:05 | Pro tip to try everything twice
Re(Sources)
- Connect with Kunal Makhija: LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | TikTok
- Brands/organizations: Initiative | RBC | George Brown College | Humber College
- Marketing and media tools: Google DV360 | ChatGPT | Microsoft Excel
- 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 😀
Kunal Makhija
Kunal M
Hey, I'm Kunal and I moved to Canada 3 years ago in search of new opportunities and to live the life I have always dreamed of living.
"Be the change" and "Try everything twice" are the two mantras I have embodied and they both take a big part in all the decision-making I do.
With a can-do attitude, I have faced challenges head-on and have consistently tried new things to find a career path that aligns with my passions and skills. After exploring various options such as PR, finance, social media, and event management, I finally found my calling in programmatic media.
In my personal life, I love to travel and enjoy exploring new destinations and cultures. The goal is 30 countries before 30 (I am at 10 right now). I am also a foodie and a fitness enthusiast who loves to cook and work out. In my free time, I can be found trying out new recipes in the kitchen or exploring the vibrant city of Toronto.
Be the change...
