As a college student, Natalie Panciera was torn between a career path in psychology and advertising. Though she pursued an advertising degree, Natalie is thankful that she can apply both her advertising degree and interest in psychology here at Intermark Group. To learn more about Natalie and her role as a Senior Media Buyer/Planner, check out her interview below.
Q: What are your responsibilities?
A: I am the lead planner for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Alabama Tourism, but I also help out wherever else I am needed. My day-to-day responsibilities vary. For instance, last week I was coordinating bringing a Mardi Gras float to Times Square while also creating a media recommendation for BCBS. Not the easiest week. 🙂
Q: Give us a little background on how you got into the industry?
A: When I was a sophomore in college, I could not decide between a psychology degree or major in advertising and communications. Ultimately, I knew I didn’t want to actually become a psychologist, so I went with advertising instead. Now working at Intermark, I still get the psychology aspect while also getting to experience agency life. It all worked out!
Q: What brought you to Intermark and how did you get started in your current position?
A: Well, I graduated in the midst of the 2008 meltdown, so finding a job was extremely difficult. While working at a call center for a local injury law firm, I saw an open position for a media assistant with Intermark Group. I interviewed and finally got a job in my field. Several years and a couple of job changes later, I’m back at Intermark in my current position.
Q: What’s your favorite part about what you do?
A: I love how every client is so different. It gives a lot of variety to this job, and I never get bored!
Q: What’s the most challenging part of your job?
A: As with most jobs I’m sure, there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. It’s also challenging to make sure you are providing the client with the best strategy for their objectives. That requires a lot of “out of the box” thinking and research for new media trends. This field is evolving so rapidly, and it can be hard to keep up!
Q: Are you seeing any new trends in the marketing/advertising industry?
A: How people watch video is constantly evolving. Our media summit last year was all about video consumption and how it has changed over the years. Gone are the days where everyone tuned in at 8 p.m. on Thursday to watch Friends. People watch video on demand now and on several different platforms, so our client messages need to reach them outside of a typical television media buy.
Q: Favorite quote/saying?
A: I have a love/hate relationship with this prayer, but it has definitely helped in the more difficult times in my life: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.”
Q: Hobbies?
A: I used to have more hobbies, but having a baby shifted some priorities. I do enjoy cooking (and eating) though, and I’m hoping to get back into running soon. I ran in 3 half marathons pre-baby, so eventually I would like to run in one again!
Q: Family, pets?
A: I have an almost 7-month old, Nora Frances, who is my entire world! My husband and I are a little obsessed with her. She is also the first child in 21 years on my mom’s side, so her big Italian family is also obsessed and constantly asks to babysit.
Q: What’s something that most people would be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m pretty much an open book, but I guess not everyone knows that I threw the javelin (not well) in high school and lived in Italy for 6 months in college!
Q: What is the quote on your nameplate?
A: “To love another person is to see the face of God” – Victor Hugo
