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How did you get involved in the Creative and Digital staffing space?
Alexandra Whitmore: I have a degree and background in Marketing. I held different jobs in the marketing space across healthcare and consulting before I stumbled upon my first staffing agency. Fun fact, I did work with a staffing agency to find my consulting position before being hired at a creative staffing agency!
How would you describe your career trajectory over that time?
AW: After graduating college, I interned at a STL-based lifestyle Magazine in their advertising department and with a local community college in the Marketing and Communications department. Took a brief detour and worked as a National Account Director at an Insurance firm before finding my way back to marketing. I joined a Healthcare Consulting firm as a Marketing Coordinator where I was responsible for writing and editing thought leadership pieces, whitepapers, articles, paid media, and managed social platforms. It was a natural transition for me to join a creative staffing firm with my marketing background setting me up for success to partner with clients within the same space.
How long have you been with The Planet Group? What have been some of the highlights for you since you've been at Planet Interactive in particular?
AW: I am proud to be celebrating my one-year anniversary with The Planet Group. Our team is distinguished by its diversity and strong female leadership, creating a positive environment. Everyone is dedicated to the growth and support of our clients and candidates. Additionally, the team is so much fun and it truly is an enjoyable place to work.
You primarily focus on the Financial Services space. What is the role of creative, digital, and marketing in this sector, and why, in your opinion, is it so essential?
AW: The Financial Services space is highly competitive, and you have to have brand differentiation among it being heavily regulated. Partnering with a specialized staffing agency in the creative/marketing space allows financial services firms to hire talent that can develop unique campaigns that highlight a company’s strengths and differentiate it from competitors, since traditional marketing approaches may not always resonate with modern consumers. Also, knowing how to navigate these regulations helps ensure that marketing efforts are both effective and compliant. Additionally, staffing agencies have access to a robust national and even global talent pool which allows for leaders to focus on the important things outside of hiring talent like strategic initiatives and driving impactful growth across the FinServ landscape.
What’s your current assessment of the Creative, Digital, and Marketing landscape?
AW: The current landscape is rapidly evolving! AI is revolutionizing marketing! Organizations are investing in AI tools for content creation, data analysis, and SEO automation, which is boosting productivity. Social media is shifting and focusing more on platforms like TikTok, which continues to grow! This offers a unique opportunity for brands to engage with different audiences to boost ROI. One area that I think is here to stay is the focus on remote work versus hybrid. Creatives thrive on flexibility, and it’s shown that work in this space can be done anywhere and yield the same results. Another big trend I have noticed, is bringing work back in-house. Many organizations are reassessing spend and outside costs, building out robust in-house agencies and marketing teams allowing for organizations to save money and partner more with staffing agencies to aid in the rapid growth of standing up teams.
What advice would you give to individuals aspiring to enter the Creative staffing industry?
AW: Familiarize yourself with the industry and build a strong network! Gain experience wherever you can through internships, freelance work, etc. The Creative industry continues to evolve and you have to stay up to date with new tools, trends, emerging technologies, and follow innovative firms. One thing I did in my career was invest in a mentor/professional coach. It really did help to elevate my experience and leadership skills as a I continued to grow. I wish I had done it sooner. So someone starting off, look to those that inspire you and start connecting. Definitely need to be investing in yourself and be flexible as the industry changes.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?
AW: Right now on my bucket list is to go to Italy, I am part Sicilian so getting a chance to travel around different parts of Italy would be so fun! I would love to check out the Amalfi coast, visit Rome to see iconic art and the Vatican, check out Florence for all the Renaissance art! Just thinking about the food too, all the pasta and gelato!
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
AW: Such a fun question! I would LOVE to meet Margaret Atwood. Her influence on feminist literature through her exploration of themes related to gender, power, and identity are remarkable. Famously she is known for The Handmaid’s Tale.
What’s one fun fact about you that your clients don’t know?
AW: I am an avid reader! If I am not working you will definitely catch me reading. I probably have over 300 books in my basement. I read all genres, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, you name it! I recently invested in a Kindle, which I love!
Lastly, what’s the best part of your job?
AW: Meeting people! I absolutely LOVE talking to clients, getting to know them, solving their hiring challenges and helping them solve creative problems. The best part is I still get to use my marketing and consulting background to help companies and candidates connect! Somedays I don’t feel like I am in sales because I get to meet so many fascinating people from all different industries, and I am constantly learning from our clients and candidates to be a stronger partner.
Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn
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