Young Pro Corner: Danielle Ward, Enterprise Account Management, DoorDash
Danielle Ward, Enterprise Account Management, DoorDash
What first drew you to the advertising/marketing industry?
Advertising and marketing surround us from a young age. It was familiar enough to me that I chose it as a career path; I understood the overall concept and purpose of marketing. It wasn’t until I took my first job in marketing that I realized the complexities that exist within the industry. Understanding the innerworkings was really interesting and I’ve come to realize that there are numerous avenues one can pursue, one of which is sure to align best with your interests.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned that’s helped you in your career?
Every interaction you have is a valuable interaction. There’s a common assumption about networking and mentorship that you should seek out relationships with people who are very experienced and tenured in their field, but I’ve found a wealth of value in peer-to-peer networking. My last two job opportunities came from my network of peers with similar levels of experience. It’s important to remember that anyone you meet, younger, peer or older, can be a valuable resource and important part of your network.
How has community-building and networking helped you in your career? Any tips for new grads?
You’re only as powerful as the community you surround yourself with. Build your community with people who have like-minded goals and learn others’ perspectives, doing so will help you grow personally and professionally.
Take advantage of accessible resources like LinkedIn. I find a lot of value in creating community (don’t be afraid to connect with people!) and using resources like LinkedIn Learning and News to sharpen your skills and stay updated on the industry through the platform.
When I first started in this industry, it was eye opening to learn about jobs that I didn’t know existed. I think LinkedIn humanizes the career experience; there’s a unique path for every individual and it’s interesting to learn how people navigate their career paths. Remember that you’re not limited to the first job you take or the skills you currently have. Every experience in your career builds upon itself. Don’t be afraid to pivot.
What’s the best industry resource you live by (besides the Ad Club )?
Exploring different AI tools has been very beneficial in my daily work. I use Google’s NotebookLM to digest complex information (earnings reports, news articles, etc.) more easily. It creates a podcast out of any input you upload for simplified learning. I use other AI tools to help me write, build custom queries and navigate data resources.
I’ll reiterate the importance of accessible community resources like LinkedIn and, of course, The Ad Club!