Role: Client Services Manager
Company: Andy Rice Creative
Track Record:
Client services manager Helen Egnar believes a work experience placement can be invaluable when it comes to making future career contacts
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I graduated from Northumbria University in 2013 where I studied Business Management. During my summer breaks I tried to gain as much experience as possible, taking up a number of placements. Having a keen interest in local politics my first placement was with the BBC NI political department where I shadowed Mark Devenport and went behind the scenes of Stormont Today, which was fascinating. The following summer I worked at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, which was a fantastic experience. Being part of a highly motivated, dynamic team and meeting inspirational business women such as Ann McGregor really motivated me to pursue my own career in Northern Ireland business. After graduating I returned home to Belfast and joined Andy Rice Creative in a client services manager role, a position I have held for nearly three years.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I have always enjoyed Business Studies throughout school. I also studied Politics at A Level which I really enjoyed.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I studied Business Management at Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne where I obtained a BA Hons.
How did you get into your area of work?
I always had a keen interest in the marketing aspect of my degree studies and knew this was the direction I wanted to take my career in. After graduating I took off on a road trip around Europe and on the day I returned I heard about the opening with Andy Rice Creative. Within a week of arriving back in Belfast I had accepted the position. It seemed like it was meant to be.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I don’t think I could have wished for a better starting point from which to build my career. Working in a dynamic agency means I get lots of responsibility and as client services manager I get involved in all aspects of the business. Very few jobs allow you to be continually working on new projects, meeting new people and dealing with a wide variety of clients.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Many Client Services jobs are looking for a qualification in Marketing, Business Management or Communications. You also need to be a good people person so experience in customer facing roles would be a big advantage.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
A background in sales or marketing can be a great asset in Client Services, but never underestimate the value of a work experience placement as they can create invaluable contacts and you never know where it could lead.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Building and sustaining good relationships with clients is the aim and being an effective link between the creatives, suppliers and various stakeholders involved in each account. Since the Client Service team is like a bridge between the client and the company, they must be organised enough to handle requests from both sides simultaneously. There will constantly be multiple projects happening at once with different clients and to know exactly what is going on in each project at any given time requires a high level of organisation.
What does a typical day entail?
Each day starts with a cup of tea with Andy (managing director) and a review of the work in progress, once we are all up to date I can organise the designers’ schedules for the day and circulate. I can then get to work on the projects that are on the schedule. A typical project will involve meeting with clients to discuss their requirements, presenting options and working with the client and our creative team until we get the finished design. Then we can start rolling out the creative through to the different media, whether it is outdoor advertising, web development or animation etc. This is where it all comes to life. Each project requires continual tracking and scheduling to ensure that it is on time and within budget. Other activities include writing briefs for the creatives, networking, administration duties and tasks such as tenders and keeping our website social media platforms up to date.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
There is so much I love about my job; the variety, working with such creative people, the fast-paced, interesting and challenging work; there really never is a dull moment. It can get pretty hectic at times — especially when approaching the end of a campaign, with deadlines fast approaching, but it is all worth it, knowing you have helped create something that is loved by the client.
Why is what you do important?
As the link between a company and its clients; I am responsible for ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within budget and that our clients’ needs are met at all times.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I am a massive foodie, I would love to be a restaurant critic.
If you could go back, what is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Keep calm! You don’t always have to have the answers. Just know where to go to get them.
Describe your ideal day off.
My auntie and uncle have a boat in Fermanagh, there is nothing much better that cruising down the river when the sun is shining with a Pimms in hand listening to Paulo Nutini.