Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Directors Of Operations
For undergraduate students seeking entry-level roles in marketing and advertising, Melanie, a Director of Operations at Linqia, suggests client-facing positions like "customer success manager" or "account manager" as ideal starting points, emphasizing that "nothing is below you" when it comes to client interaction. Alternatively, sales-focused roles such as "sales development representative" or "business development representative" can also provide a valuable pathway, ultimately highlighting the importance of client interaction to build strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Client Communication, Sales, Client Relations, Operations, Entry-Level Marketing
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Melanie Archer
Director of Operations
Linqia
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
N/A
English, Writing & Education, English
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Client-facing roles such as customer success manager or account manager offer valuable experience.
2. Sales roles like sales development representative or business development representative can lead to operations or other areas.
3. The specific entry-level title is less important than gaining client-facing experience to develop communication and problem-solving skills.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
There are many great entry-level positions for marketing and advertising. One of the best options, in my opinion, is client-facing work.
This could include roles like a Customer Success Manager or an Account Manager. Anything service-related that involves client interaction is valuable. Nothing is beneath you when it comes to working with a client; all that exposure will be very helpful.
Other positions can also lead you to where you want to go. I've seen many peers and people in my network pursue a sales angle. They start as a Sales Development Representative or a Business Development Representative, engaging with clients at the top of the sales funnel.
This can lead to roles in operations execution. Alternatively, you could start directly in operations execution from the beginning. Ultimately, in my experience, your exact title or company doesn't necessarily matter, especially for client-facing experience.
If you have the opportunity to get in front of a client, it will serve you well in future client-facing roles and internal positions. It builds your ability to communicate effectively and navigate the daily challenges of working with others.