Career Path - Apr08

1. First job ever?

I started as a data entry staff in a bank in Helsinki.

2. First job in advertising?

As an account executive in a local ad agency, which was not bad actually. I called it "the school of hard knocks".

3. Best job?

Must be this one. I get the best of both words - the challenge of a start up (starting Publicis Modem in Asia) and the support of a "mother brand" - The Publicis Network.

4. Perks of your current job?

My new HP laptop (less than a week old!)

5. Worst job?

Must be the data entry bank job. That's why I am not in banking now!

6. Marketing professionals you admire?

Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks. He turned a commodity like coffee, into a phenomenon with the coffee culture. Even China, a tea drinking country is not spared. I heard that in Korea, Starbucks has become a non-threatening place for young women to meet men.

7. Best career advice you've ever been given?

My mum said to me "whatever you do, don't misplace the trust others have on you..."

8. Why a career in advertising?

Really a no brainer between data entry and marketing! No, seriously I enjoy the lively, vibrant atmosphere and the human interaction involved. And the challenge of working on different categories.

9. If you weren't in marketing what would you be?

I would like to own my own bagel deli.

10. How do you wind down?

Go home and cuddle up with my 2 sons.

Arlene Ang

Regional Managing Director

Publicis Modem Asia