What do I actually do?

Beata Lewandowska
Senior Account Manager

For the whole of my professional career I have been an account handler. Six years ago I started out with the title Account Executive and recently, after progressing through the ranks, I was promoted to the heights of Senior Account Manager. To me, my job is very interesting. To me, my job is important. I feel as though people need me, people depend on me and without me nothing would get done properly. I also get to learn a lot and meet great (and sometimes not so great!) people along the way.

While I enjoy what I do, it has occurred to me that not many people know what my day actually involves, including my mother and even my boyfriend! I can sort of see why these people may not have the greatest idea as to what I do at PLB HQ for 8+ hours a day, but what about my clients? Do they know what my day-to-day activities are and what work I am doing on their account? What about my colleagues? Do the people whom I spend my day sitting next to and speaking to know what I am actually doing in order to try and meet our clients’ needs? What concerns me the most is whether or not they actually see any value in my role.

According to Career Cast, which is a major job research portal, the job of an advertising account executive is one of the most stressful out there. In 2010 it ranked 9th and in the previous year it ranked at 4th, beaten only by the roles of surgeon, commercial airline pilot and photojournalist. It was considered more stressful than roles such as real estate agent, physician (general practice), reporter and physician assistant. If you don’t believe me, check it out for yourself: http://www.careercast.com/jobs/content/JobsRated_StressfulJobs

Apparently “although not physically demanding, work in advertising is emotionally and mentally stressful. Competition and the pressure of acquiring and maintaining major accounts forces executives in this field to work long and irregular hours. The work requires a high level of creativity, meeting deadlines, close attention to detail and self-motivation.” This is a statement which I would whole-heartedly agree with.

Returning to the topic of me wondering whether my colleagues know what I do, I have decided to do a little research to find out. Tune in next week for the answers...