What first attracted you to working in the automotive industry?
To be honest, I fell into it and loved it. After I finished university the marketing agency I worked at specialised in automotive. Then with the industry being so versatile and the fact it offers many opportunities for personal and career growth made it possible for me to stay in it.
What was your first job in the automotive industry?
I was a Marketing Executive at a below-the-line agency, working with both individual and group dealerships on their in-house marketing campaigns. The days when press adverts and used car listings took up a lot of time. I had the best team around me who taught me all the basics and where the passion began, I was a sponge! Most are still in the industry and our paths still cross which is amazing.
What do you most enjoy about your current job and working in the automotive industry?
I have the best team and clients…your working environment is so important.
What has been most useful to you in helping you progress your career?
Being knowledgeable, personable and able to think on your feet! Our industry moves fast, you need to be on the ball and forward thinking.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a marketing career in the automotive industry?
Marketing within our industry, like others, has a lot of different functions so I suggest find one that’s growing and that you are truly passionate about and learn it inside and out. That could be anything from a media expect in SEO to a Creative Director within a creative agency.
Find a function that’s growing and that you are truly passionate about and learn it inside and out
Rachel Patel, Senior Account Director – Innocean UK