Ruby's First Year as Account Manager

Hey, I’m Ruby! Over the last year (time flies!), I’ve been an Account Manager for one of Effect’s wonderful clients. A role that’s invigorating and fulfilling and sees me bridging the gap between client and agency.

This experience has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth journey. It's not just about finding my career path and understanding my preferences; it's also about developing as an individual, enabling me to nurture genuine connections with clients and ultimately enhance the quality of service I deliver.

To celebrate this milestone, I’ll be looking back and giving you a taste of what we do in Client Services.

My days are a constant dance between multiple marketing and web projects for Way of Life, a fantastic client I'm proud to work with.

Way of Life, an exceptional property management company specialising in Build To Rent residences. Their approach isn't just about managing properties; it's about creating vibrant communities where residents can truly call home. Working closely with esteemed interior designers, Way of Life ensures that each residence is a testament to both style and functionality, catering to the unique preferences of its residents. But what truly sets them apart is their dedication to giving back and fostering local engagement. Through partnerships with local businesses. Way of Life and Effects partnership and my role mainly focus on performance marketing and ensuring projects hit deadlines, exceeding KPIs and driving success for Way of Life.

Think of me as the bridge between them and our talented internal team, constantly communicating and ensuring everyone has the information they need to shine.

Luckily, we have a suite of amazing tools like Teamwork, Slack, and weekly sprints that keep us connected and organised. Beyond that, the culture at Effect is truly what sets us apart. This past year, I've not only honed my communication skills but also learned a ton from the experienced team members around me.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this role has been the ability to contribute fresh ideas. It's been incredibly satisfying to see my suggestions not only implemented but also appreciated by both Way of Life and the internal team. It seems fostering creativity is a core value here, and I'm thrilled to be part of it.

Stepping back from the daily grind, the monthly reports provide a unique opportunity. These reports allow us to analyse the impact our work has on Way of Life. It's a data-driven approach that fuels our strategic planning for the future.

One of the perks of being an Account Manager is the opportunity to build relationships beyond the screen through client visits and events. There’s a time and a place for video calls, but you can’t beat the real world (crazy, right?).

Throughout the year, I've been fortunate enough to attend several client meetings and workshops, and each visit has provided a unique chance to gain a first-hand understanding of Way of Life's operations and the impact of our work on their business.

More importantly, these interactions promote a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. Being welcomed as part of their team allows you to witness their passion for building a successful business, which is truly inspiring. Strengthening these relationships not only benefits us by furthering trust and open communication, but ultimately leads to better results for Way of Life.

One of the biggest surprises (and joys) of being an Account Manager has been the incredible collaborative spirit. I work with a diverse group of talented people across different teams and projects. Every single one has been incredibly open-minded and willing to share their expertise. It's been fantastic to learn from them and bounce ideas back and forth.

The work environment at Effect has a real sense of camaraderie. We take pride in delivering for our clients, but there's also a strong emphasis on having a good time. It's a great balance that creates a truly positive work experience.

I have only been at Effect for 1 year and I have already been able to experience so many benefits some of which I have listed below:

• Flexible Work: Being able to work from home or the office, and set my hours within company guidelines, has been a game-changer for my work-life balance.

• Effect Days: These social gatherings keep the team connected and informed while having fun. It cultivates a strong sense of team spirit.

• Private Healthcare: Having access to private healthcare gives me peace of mind and allows me to prioritize my well-being.

• Financial Advisor (New to me!): This benefit has been incredibly helpful as I navigate managing my finances. Having access to professional guidance is a big step towards taking control of my financial future.

For me, career progression isn't just about climbing a ladder. It's about developing my skills, mastering my current role, and constantly seeking new challenges that help me progress within the company. Effect provides the perfect environment for this type of growth.

The company promotes a culture of learning and development. They encourage me to set my own pace, identify areas for improvement, and offer the resources to help me achieve my career goals. Whether it's training programs, mentorship opportunities, or simply the supportive environment, I feel confident in my ability to grow both within Effect and beyond.

My first year at Effect has been a whirlwind of growth and accomplishment. Navigating client relationships, witnessing the impact of our work, and contributing to successful projects has been incredibly rewarding.

The collaborative spirit fosters a supportive environment where I've honed my communication skills and learned from experienced team members. The opportunities to contribute fresh ideas and see them implemented have been truly satisfying. Effect’s emphasis on personal growth sets the stage for an exciting future, and I can't wait to see what new challenges and opportunities await!