Pippa Power is the Delivery Lead at Leeds-based Digital Innovation and Transformation agency, Calls9. She’s been in the industry for almost a decade, working across a variety of B2B & B2C accounts on UX and digital-led projects.
I was living in London and was determined to get a role in advertising or marketing. I started out interning as an Account Manager at an ad agency in Soho and thought it was so exciting. Digital was only a small workstream for them - they were more OOH and TV, but I was just so interested in how we were going to target the audience on a digital level.
When I was growing up, the options were limited to Bebo, MySpace and then Facebook. And for shopping, I had to stomp the streets of Oxford Circus. Now, everything is online. Want a sushi platter? There’s Deliveroo. A new dress for tomorrow? There’s next day delivery offered at every online shop. I just love how digital is constantly evolving, rapidly changing the nature and behaviour of how we interact with products or brands.
Finding a role was tricky, it was a classic catch 22, agencies wanted juniors with experience and I had none. So my route was relentless applications and creative cover letters - anything to make me stand out.
As my passion for digital grew, I decided to change course and started applying to digital agencies and getting myself on the books of digital-related recruitment companies. However, finding a role was tricky, it was a classic catch 22, agencies wanted juniors with experience and I had none. So my route was relentless applications and creative cover letters - anything to make me stand out.
I would definitely recommend having that sort of determination if you’re wanting to get into the industry. It shows enthusiasm and that you’re not afraid of putting in the hard work. Luckily I wound up at a small company in Marble Arch, a foot in the door was all I needed.
Today, I’m Delivery Lead at a Digital innovation and transformation agency in Leeds, Yorkshire. I find the fast paced environment of an agency exciting, working on multiple accounts across a variety of industries. I love the dynamic nature of what I do, where no two days are the same and I work with a fantastic team to provide the best solution for our clients.
I enjoy the fact that everyone who works in digital is just as excited about new tech as me. Embrace creativity and be bold in expressing your ideas. No idea is a bad idea, however you will need to be willing to work hard, push yourself and move beyond your comfort zone.
Work can be tough and clients can be tricky sometimes, but always remember to see the positive in any situation. It’s about the solutions, try not to dwell on the problems as negativity can breed negativity.
I have loved every agency that I’ve worked at and I’ve learnt an enormous amount from each one. I wouldn’t change a thing, as if I had done things differently it wouldn't have led me to where I am today.
Have a story to tell that will inspire others to get into digital? Get in touch at [email protected]
