This post is for the purposes of a college assessment.
In her seminar session, Cathy McKnight, VP — Strategy and Consulting and The Content Advisory, threw light on her corporate journey in the marketing realm. She talked about the many organizations she worked with and also provided insights into their differences in structures and cultures.
It was interesting to understand the dynamics of small and large organizations. While larger organizations allow you to specialize in one domain, smaller organizations often provide the capacity to get into other segments of the organization (albeit to varying degrees) and directly communicate with the organization’s senior management.
Cathy’s experience spans over several different organizations; This is something I can relate to given my own experience working with different businesses in varying markets. I could also relate to Cathy’s motivations to switch organizations, whether that’s the company culture or the pay they offer. What stood out with me was her experience under multiple organizations going through take-overs. She pointed to the tumultuous nature of take-overs and how organisational restructuring sets in post such acquisitions.
Cathy also talked about her experience as a woman in a traditional industry with a predominantly male workforce. Additionally, she shared her two cents on ‘boss culture’ prevalent in the workplace and the ‘types’ of bosses you can encounter. Her journey is rich with a myriad of experiences and therefore her approach and advise to situations is unique and multifaceted.
My Reflection
Cathy’s experience encourages me to not accept a job if the culture, pay, or any other significant factor does not fall in place. It also gives me reason to carefully vet the roles and companies I am applying to. Personally, a company’s vision, brand, culture, and pay hold great importance to me. My own experience tells me that I happily reciprocate and deliver work in environments where bosses and seniors are accomodating and compassionate. I have sufficient confidence in my ability to find a new job therefore I will not hesitate to quit a bad workplace setting.
Cathy’s explanation of the real-world impact that takeovers can have is a silent but important reminder that the organizational structures are bigger than me and my role. That is also why I remain open to the idea of entering new industries and exploring various specializations within marketing. I believe while focus and specialization is key to excelling, putting all your eggs in one basket isn’t the smartest idea.
Final Thoughts
Reading this may be counterintuitive and a turn-off to an employer considering hiring me, but I remain open to new roles and opportunities. What I takeaway from Cathy’s journey is to stick to your strengths and learn from challenges, while also being ready to move ship if the tides aren’t flowing your way.
