Today’s Notable Young Professional is BICOM Communications National Account Director Erin Strulovitch, who we caught up with to find out where she loves to wine and dine in Toronto and Montreal, as well as what advice she would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
1. Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am the National Account Director at BICOM Communications, a sort of communications Jill of all trades: Strategy, media relations, event planning, influencer marketing, social media, strategic partnerships and brainstorming… and sometimes amateur shrink.
2. What was the inspiration for your career route?
I always liked the idea of connecting brands with their consumers in an organic and meaningful way. It is always fun to think of new strategies, angles and exciting ways to get earned coverage and buzz for clients.
3. What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
Joining the BICOM team as their National Account Director has definitely been a major milestone for me! I am beyond excited to be a part of the agency’s continued growth across Canada.
4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Now that BICOM has opened up their Toronto office, I definitely hope to stay here and help the agency grow and gain the credibility it has in the Montreal market in Toronto and across Canada. Over the years, we have worked with such amazing clients on national campaigns, including LACOSTE, Guerlain, Aritzia, and Gap, so I can’t wait to see what new and amazing brands we get to work with in the future.
5. Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Stay humble and work hard – no job is “beneath” you. Taking constructive criticism and applying it to your work is also invaluable.
6. Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Breast cancer is one cause I try to support through various charities. It has affected a number of close family and friends of mine. A great charity is Rethink Breast Cancer’s Boobyball. It was launched in 2002 by a group of dedicated young women in support of their friend who, at just 23 years old, was diagnosed with aggressive, advanced breast cancer. It has now raised over three million dollars for Rethink Breast Cancer.
7. What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Starting out in this industry can be discouraging at times. There are a ton of equally talented people gunning for the same coveted jobs. I knew that school alone would not necesarily be enough to help me land my dream job. As soon as I committed to a career in public relations, I started interning at agencies and learning the ins an outs of the industry. It wasn’t always fun or glamorous, but I made some great connections, gained invaluable working experience and this ultimaltey helped me land jobs that lead to my success.
8. What does the word notable mean to you?
People who are not only amazing at their jobs but also balance their career and enjoy life to its fullest.
PLAY
1. Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
There are so many amazing restaurant in both Montreal and Toronto, it’s hard for me to choose! In Toronto I love Note Bene (most amazing Matzo Ball Soup – who would have guessed). In Montreal I love Ferreira Café. I fell in love with Portugal and Ferreira brings me back.
2. What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Retail Insider, Theoutnet.com and Shopbop.com. I am a serial online “window shopper” (and sometimes buyer).
I’ll be going to Wayhome Festival this July, so I am replaying all songs by artists who will be there : Sam Smith, Hozier, Alt-J, Kendrick Lamar… and the list goes on.
3. Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
I am obsessed with the big cat rescue @blackjaguarwhitetiger – it’s addictive, plus rescuing animals is always a good thing in my books!
4. What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
I adore every place I have visited in Europe for different reasons, but if I had to choose I’d say Portugal is my favourite. The food is amazing, the people are friendly, and the beaches are stunning! Next up, I want to go to Zanzibar and a safari in Africa.
5. What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I don’t really get FOMO (anymore). Everything on social media always looks fun, but I know better than that! If I am with my boyfriend, friends or family, I don’t feel like anything is better than what I am already doing.
6. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Swiss Chalet, ice cream and cat memes.
7. What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
My boyfriend loves cooking but I am not a fan, so if he is not around I spend too much money on ordering food. I really wish I could spend more time and money traveling around the world.
8. And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Success to me is about achieving balance – equal parts work, play and rest!
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