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Madison, Marketing Specialist at GoGather: Advize Career Interview

A Cal Poly SLO graduate with an MBA and business analytics certificate, Madison's diverse career path—including roles at Athleta, Cal Poly, Carmel Nasha, and the Badder Insurance Agency—culminated in a fulfilling Marketing Specialist position at GoGather.

This fully remote role involves managing social media, creating engaging content, improving website SEO, and assisting with sales, demanding strong communication, writing, organizational, and creative skills.

The work is flexible, but requires maintaining creative energy throughout the day.

A key takeaway is the importance of networking and the realization that marketing encompasses much more than creativity—including research, project management, and collaboration.

Madison's journey highlights the value of diverse work experience in college and the importance of over-communicating in a remote setting.

The events industry's dynamic nature and supportive work environment make it a rewarding career for outgoing, creative problem-solvers committed to continuous learning.

Entry-level positions such as marketing coordinator or specialist offer valuable experience, as does social media coordination or event marketing.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Madison Shepherd

Marketing Specialist

GoGather

Cal Poly SLO

MBA- Cal Poly SLO

Business Management & Admin, Marketing

Advertising, Communications & Marketing

Communication and Marketing

Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path Of A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

Madison's career path began with a business administration degree and marketing management concentration from Cal Poly SLO, supplemented by an MBA and business analytics certificate. The roles held during and after college, including positions at Athleta, Cal Poly, Carmel Nasha, and the Badder Insurance Agency, provided a diverse range of marketing and communications experience, culminating in their current role as a Marketing Specialist at GoGather.

Career Path Of A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

Main Responsibilities of a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

As a Marketing Specialist at the small corporate events agency GoGather, Madison's role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from managing "social media content calendar" across multiple platforms and creating engaging content—including videos, graphics, and blog articles—to improving website SEO and assisting with sales, including qualifying leads and helping develop client proposals. This demonstrates a versatile skillset and significant contribution to a small team, showcasing adaptability and a proactive approach to marketing.

Main Responsibilities of a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

A Day in the Life of a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

Madison, a Marketing Specialist at GoGather, typically starts the day reviewing emails and following a pre-planned schedule focused on content creation, including "editing videos, writing articles, creating social media posts". The workday also involves collaboration with project managers, website SEO tasks, and assisting with sales; the flexibility allows for a variable end time, sometimes leaving as early as 2 or 3 pm on Fridays.

A Day in the Life of a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

Most Important Skills For A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

Madison, a Marketing Specialist at GoGather, emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills, particularly in a remote setting, stating the need to "be really good at communicating every day." Beyond communication, the ability to write effectively, prioritize tasks through organization, and actively listen while exhibiting creativity are also crucial for success in their role.

Most Important Skills For A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

Favorite Parts of Being a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

Madison enjoys the flexibility and independence of their fully remote Marketing Specialist role at GoGather, citing "no big deadlines" and the ability to "design own schedule." The positive work environment and outgoing colleagues in the events industry also contribute to a fulfilling experience.

Favorite Parts of Being a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

Madison's biggest challenge as a Marketing Specialist at GoGather is maintaining creative energy throughout the workday, admitting that "some days are not meeting heavy" and "producing content...eight hours a day is tough". To combat this, Madison prioritizes tasks, tackling those requiring "critical thinking" earlier in the day and saving less demanding work for later.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

Favorite Parts of Working in the Events Industry as a Marketing Specialist

Madison, a Marketing Specialist, enjoys the ever-changing nature of the events industry, stating that "it's fun and ever changing," unlike prior roles in insurance and legal. The relatively low-stress environment, a supportive boss, and a dynamic work space contribute to a positive and rewarding career experience.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Events Industry as a Marketing Specialist

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Marketing And Events Industry, According To A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

Marketing and events professionals who thrive are "outgoing" and "creative problem solvers," demonstrating a strong ability to connect with people and a commitment to continuous learning by being "open to critiques and feedback." The need for organization and a people-first approach are also key attributes for success in these fields.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Marketing And Events Industry, According To A Marketing Specialist At GoGather

What A Marketing Specialist At GoGather Wishes They Knew Before Entering Marketing

Madison, a Marketing Specialist, emphasizes the crucial role of networking in securing a marketing position, stating that "networking is key," as illustrated by their own experience landing a job through an MBA connection. The interviewee also reveals a valuable lesson learned: marketing demands more than creativity, encompassing "research analysis, project management, and collaborating with other departments," and that practical, on-the-job learning surpasses theoretical knowledge.

What A Marketing Specialist At GoGather Wishes They Knew Before Entering Marketing

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Marketing Specialists

Madison, a Marketing Specialist, highlighted entry-level marketing roles such as "marketing coordinator," "marketing specialist," and sales positions, noting personal experience in the former two. The interviewee also mentioned less common but potentially interesting options like social media coordination and event marketing, while candidly discussing their pursuit of a marketing analyst role, which required further experience.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Marketing Specialists

Significant Career Lesson from a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

Madison, a Marketing Specialist at GoGather, emphasizes the critical role of communication, particularly "over communicate[ing]" in a remote work setting, to ensure everyone shares the same understanding of project priorities and individual tasks. This constant communication is a significant lesson learned in their career.

Significant Career Lesson from a Marketing Specialist at GoGather

College Experiences That Helped a Marketing Specialist at GoGather Succeed

Madison's undergraduate success stemmed from "lots of jobs throughout college," a factor more impactful than networking, although Madison noted that networking "would've been also really important," as one MBA connection led to their first full-time role.

College Experiences That Helped a Marketing Specialist at GoGather Succeed
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