Emily Wexler is a writer/Managing Editor for Strategy magazine, making sure the issue gets out the door and awards go to the right people.What’s her definition of success and what advice does she have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I manage the editorial content for Strategy magazine and Strategy online, as well as its sister sites, Media in Canada and Stimulant. We cover the worlds of marketing and media, which includes new advertising campaigns, company profiles, media strategy and everything in between. My job runs the gamut from the “big picture” stuff, such as working with the team to determine themes for issues and overseeing content for our various industry awards, to the smaller details, such as copyediting and coming up with cover lines. Basically, I make sure the issue gets out the door and the awards go to the right people.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started at Strategy four years ago after having worked at a few other publications. It appealed to me because I like the combination of creativity and business in the advertising world. I became a writer/editor because I’ve always loved it and had a knack for it. I had several teachers over the years tell me I should pursue it professionally, and when enough people suggest you should do something, you start listening.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is the constant learning, and discovering great creative ideas. The most challenging part is keeping up with it all, especially in this constantly shifting mediaverse (Twitter helps).
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t have a set plan for where my career will take me, but I hope in five years I feel challenged and happy both professionally and personally.
What does success look like to you?
Success is enjoying what you do, no matter what it happens to be.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
It’s difficult to pick one major milestone, however one that stands out is when I spearheaded a special edition of Strategy that was distributed with the Globe and Mail. It was timed around the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity and focused on great creative from Canada. It was a lot of work for the team (since it coincided with our regular June issue) but I was quite proud of the final product.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Take ownership of your work. If you think of the brand you work for as an extension and reflection of yourself, you’ll work that much harder at making it something you’re proud to be associated with. Don’t be afraid to come up with ideas or projects and champion them. Also, be willing to pay your dues. Don’t be complacent. Be the person who will go that extra mile when others don’t, and you’ll stand out from the pack.
What to you is notable?
Humility, loyalty and integrity.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BlackBerry, but I’ll soon be joining the hoards who have switched to iPhone. My BBM has become a barren wasteland. Sorry, RIM.