Sarah Villegas is an Ad Marketing Executive at the BBC

Tell us what you do for a living?

Ad Marketing Executive

Can you describe what that involves?

Working across the youth and children’s magazine title at BBC magazines (Top of the Pops, The Tweenies, Bob the Builder etc), doing both primary and secondary reader research to understand our readers and youth trends, working with the advertising and editorial teams and going out on client meetings with ad agencies.

What do you enjoy about your job?

The challenge of working across so many titles (23 in total!) and across such a wide-ranging audience (teen, pre-teen and pre-school). I also enjoy the insight I get into the way that children think and how different a six year old is to a seven year old! Children change at such a fast rate and are quite a fickle audience that we really have to keep up-to-date on what’s hot and what’s not. Oh, and I love the perks! Great parties, meeting famous people and lots of freebies!

Is there anything you do not enjoy?

Sometimes the job can be quite demanding and you are required to work out of office hours, but you just have to accept that this is the world of entertainment, music and the media!

Can you describe what a day in your job might be?

One day is never the same as the next…

What hours do you work?

9:30-5:30 (but sometimes longer and evenings are often spent networking)

How much do you earn or what is your salary?

Just about enough to survive in London and save a little for a rainy day - this city is sooooo expensive!

How long have you been working in this area?

4 years

Can you tell us how you got to where you are?

Passion, determination and hard work!

Can you tell us about your education to date?

English, Art and History A’ Level a degree in cultural and media studies.

Can you tell us about any training you have sought/received?

Lots and lots of on the job training – everything from radio and creative thinking course to fair-trading and presenting!

Have you learnt any new skills whilst doing this job? If yes, please tell us what they are.

Yes… I’m learning new things every week. Everyday is different.

Did you come across any problems getting this job?

No, but if you see something you want in life you have to go for it with everything you’ve got. You’re the only person who can make it happen. With the right mindset and application, you’ll get there in the end.

Looking back, would you choose the same job again? If no, what would you choose if you could start again?

Yes – I love it!

Thinking about your personal experience, what advice would you give to someone hoping to follow a similar career path?

It’s a competitive industry, but stick with it. Think about what will make you stand out from everyone else. Have independent projects going on and gain experience wherever you can! The building blocks are key!

Do you have an aspiration/goal for your future career?

My aim is to move up to senior level.

How will you try and get there?

Keep doing what I’m doing and working hard.

How long do you think it will take you?

6 months – 1 year.