SEM Manager @ Saatchi & Saatchi with Alex Carter
Alex and Blair discuss the progression of his four roles and what changed with each one, which brand stands out as the “king of content” by being memorable; and, why you need to spend the entire advertising budget you’re given.
About Alex Carter
Alex graduated Brock University with a Bachelor of Sport Management degree, and followed that up with a certificate in Digital Media Marketing from George Brown College. Since graduation, Alex has worked in search marketing on the agency side at Saatchi & Saatchi…and he enjoys a round of golf at any possible chance he can get.
The Highlights and Hottest Takes 🔥
How Alex Got the Job
Alex was getting worried because the semester at George Brown College was finishing and he didn’t have an internship. Two months prior he met somebody from Saatchi & Saatchi for a casual conversation, but nothing happened then. Then a different person reached out to Alex on LinkedIn, and it went from nothing to happening quickly.
“The semester was finishing, and I didn’t have an internship while my classmates did. I got found on LinkedIn and within two weeks went from the first interview to getting the job.”
Mistake Made
It’s easy to make small mistakes in search. Attention to detail is critical. Any mistakes are noted by your boss and your client. If too many of them add up it’s not good for you. Look over your work twice.
Lesson Learned
Spend the budget you’re given. If a client gives you a budget to spend, then you need to spend it otherwise your client and/or you won’t get the same amount in the future.
“You’ll actually get less of a bonus if you don’t spend all of the budget.”
Pro Tip
Being an Intern is all about learning. Listen and take it all in. Be curious and ask thoughtful questions.
Segments
Alex's Year 1ne @ Saatchi & Saatchi
1:30 | Introduction from Alex
2:15 | Overview of Saatchi & Saatchi
4:50 | Progressing from SEM Intern to SEM Manager
13:45 | The specifics of search marketing
17:00 | Essential software and tools
18:35 | Writing ads in Microsoft Excel?!?!
22:20 | What’s on your mind in marketing right now?
Getting to Day 1ne: The Job Search
27:20 | Switching from sports management to digital marketing
29:30 | Why digital marketing?
31:00 | Getting hired at Saatchi & Saatchi
32:40 | Optimizing your LinkedIn profile
35:10 | Hardest part of the job search
37:30 | The “What’s your favourite brand?” question
Things I've Learned in Year 1ne
39:40 | Rookie mistake that it’s easy to make small mistakes in paid search
40:45 | Pro tip as an Intern it’s all about learning
41:25 | Lesson learned to spend the media budget you’re given
Re(Sources)
- Connect with Alex Carter: LinkedIn
- Brands/organizations: Saatchi & Saatchi | Publicis Group | Brock University | George Brown College | Red Bull
- Marketing and media tools: Google Ads Editor | Google Ads | Google Search Ads 360 | Microsoft Advertising | 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 😀
Alex Carter
SEM Manager
Alex graduated Brock University with a Bachelor of Sport Management degree, and followed that up with a certificate in Digital Media Marketing from George Brown College. Since graduation, Alex has worked in search marketing on the agency side, and enjoys a round of golf at any possible chance.
