Global Knowledge Manager

Maria

Position Info

Global Knowledge Manager [under Knowledge Management/ Corporate Communications organization] in one of the Top 5 Consolidated Agency Networks/ Top 5 Marketing Organizations (2006 Worldwide Revenue Ranking by Advertising Age)

[Editor's Note: Knowledge Management, according to Wikipedia, "comprises a range of practices used by organisations to identify, create, represent, and distribute knowledge...Many large companies have resources dedicated to Knowledge Management, often as a part of 'Information Technology' or 'Human Resource Management' departments...Knowledge Management programs are typically tied to organisational objectives such as improved performance, competitive advantage innovation, lessons learnt transfer (for example between projects) and the general development of collaborative practices." Most large professional services firms centered on people as their key or core assets have knowledge management programs in place.]

Job Insider

Role Description: We are a learning organization. It is our founder’s intrinsic belief in pursuing knowledge that fuels our Agency’s commitment to Knowledge Management (KM). The objective of KM in our Agency is to improve performance by sharing lessons learned and best practice works across teams and offices throughout the entire network. It is this collaborative knowledge sharing practice that sets us apart from other Agencies.
KM in our Agency is comprised of an online application which is available 24/7 to all our employees in ~500 offices/ 100+ cities worldwide, a Knowledge Manager in most of the major offices, and a core global team that manages the whole program, system and community.

The online KM application holds up-to-date network news, thousands of project cases, and profiles of all our employees. The role of a Knowledge Manager in each office is to source, upload and encourage readership of regular content, and to connect local people with others in the network for collaborative work.

As part of the core global team, my role as Global Knowledge Manager is primarily to manage the community of Knowledge Managers by providing: (1) goals of content contribution, employee usage, and application innovations, (2) accessible support to achieve goals, and (3) a collaborative community to coach and energize the group. My secondary role is to regularly connect with top management to: (1) assure them that KM supports the Agency’s business strategy and initiatives, and (2) ensure their continued support for KM and the KM community. And finally, my peripheral function is to manage the KM needs of internal Agency clients; these needs range from promoting previews of global ad campaigns, to developing private brand communities within the KM application, to connecting people with specific needs and expertise.

Typical Day: While there is no typical day, I try to follow a basic morning and afternoon schedule. I spend almost the entire morning answering correspondences (emails, calls, etc.) from Knowledge Managers and KM application users across different time zones.

The afternoon is then spent on managing the [execution of the] requests received from the aforementioned emails and calls, working on internal Agency client projects, and interacting with the core team to maintain the application’s health and to work on new application initiatives.

What I Love About the Job: I love my job because I get to work with people from different countries, all over the world! Interacting with people of all languages and working with different cultures is what truly makes my job rewarding.
Biggest Challenges (also What I Don’t Love About the Job): The part of my job that I find most challenging, but definitely manageable, is working across all time-zones. I have calls/ meetings as early as 5am to as late as 11pm to cover the North America and Asia time differences.

Proudest Accomplishments: We were able to increase the KM application’s monthly unique user base by almost 25% in just 1 year– the highest it’s been since the application’s launch. We achieved this milestone by focusing on community support initiatives which increased the collaboration amongst Knowledge Managers across the network.

Who Would be a Fit with the Role

Personal characteristics:

• Desire to mentor and coach
• Open mind to work with different cultures
• High level of patience to work with different types of people
• Ability to motivate a person, a team, and even an entire organization
• Flexibility and confidence to deal with all levels within an organization

Skills/Education required:

• Analytic Thinking
• Coaching/ Mentoring
• Business Case Writing/ Presentation
• Account/ Client/ Team Management
• Media/ Internet/ Technology Knowledge

Why and How Maria Arrived at Her Job

While working in Account Management in one of our Agency’s Asia offices, I requested to be assigned to our global brand accounts in order to get as much exposure and interaction with regional and global teams. Having an interest in teaching, I also volunteered to be our group’s training leader responsible for orienting new hires about the Agency.

After several years working in that local office, I was asked by one of our global brand teams to work with them in our flagship office in New York. A couple of years into my transfer, I was then encouraged to apply for the Global Knowledge Manager role, a one-of-a-kind position in our Agency.

Long-Term Career Goal/s
If I decide to continue working in the corporate world, I would stay within the Knowledge Management discipline, and expand into global training.

If I decide not to continue on the corporate route, I would take my knowledge sharing/ training career into teaching/ education.

Advice to Job-Seekers for the Same or a Similar Position

If you are working in a company that has global positions, be aggressive in mapping out and implementing your career plan in order to stand out.

Strategic Development Manager

Rex

Current Position

Strategic Development Manager, under the Corporate Business Development group of a global web services company

Job Insider

Role Description: I am currently involved in Strategy and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) in the internet/ online media industry. I am part of the corporate business development organization and my team specifically drives all the individual business and product units’ global strategy and M&A-related activities, with a focus on acquiring companies in the internet, mobile, media and advertising industries.

Typical Day: While there is definitely no typical day, last Tuesday I did the following…

• 845: Drop by my fave coffee place
• 915: Answer emails and scan my RSS reader for interesting investment, M&A and start-up news in the technology sectors
• 10: Check in with my Director on our acquisition pipeline and open items; Plan rest of week’s meetings and working blocks of time
• 1030: Discuss agenda items with VP Product Strategy of a line of business for due diligence sessions scheduled for next week in California with a potential “wireless” M&A target
• 11: Call Founder of a newly-launched start-up in the “content” space to convey interest in potential partnerships and schedule an introductory meeting; Talk to our Legal division to draft an agreement for the company
• 1120: Review the financial performance of a “social media” company our leadership team wanted us to look at; Send CEO of company initial questions
• 1230 PM: Grab lunch with a couple of colleagues
• 1245: Keep tabs on/watch streaming video of a recent industry panel discussion on monetization opportunities; Prep for an afternoon presentation
• 130: Follow-up with CTO’s office on participants for a technology assessment session to be held with a “software” start-up in a few days; Provide heads up to a Chief Architect on structure of technical evaluation needed
• 2: Walk over to another building on the campus for a meeting and present a strategy to a business unit head
• 330: Meet with a business development lead to iron out terms for a pending deal and negotiation points
• 4: Gather market data on a sub-category of “entertainment” for a potential opportunity initiated by an investment banker; Frame deck to evaluate opportunity to be sent to another business unit head within a day (i.e. Become an expert in the topic quickly)
• 6: Provide guidance on a quantitative model being developed by a colleague for a strategy project he’s working on
• 620: Book travels for next week
• 645: Catch up with people from the office on various topics; offer help with their projects
• 715: Decompress and head home/ Dinner with my family
• 9: Catch up on international news and plan volunteer initiative for this coming weekend

What I Love About the Job:

• High-impact—involves working with high-level executives on key growth initiatives and industry innovations
• Fulfilling—I’m personally passionate about entrepreneurship so being able to work with the founders/ceo’s of start-up companies that create market and economic value from different parts of the globe is highly satisfying
• Diverse—I get to work on various products, entertainment categories as well as new emerging technologies; also able to toggle between financial modeling, developing strategies, and project managing people during acquisition processes
• Culture—work with a group of very smart and friendly people in a flexible, merit-based and respect-driven environment
• Company jet

What I Don’t Love About the Job: As with any large company, the speed at which things get done

Proudest Accomplishments: Being able to fuel the entrepreneurial spirit and growing technology start-ups by working on multi-million dollar acquisitions and investments

Biggest Challenges: Getting people with varying or even opposite points of view to move forward in the same direction

Who Would be a Fit with the Role

• Ideal credentials include MBA from a top educational institution, analytical prowess, experience in either investment banking, strategy consulting, private equity, or other high-performance cultures, as well as knowledge of the Internet and media industry.
• However, more important are personal characteristics that include passion for new media and technology, a focus on details and execution, drive for excellence, initiative and entrepreneurial drive, ability to influence, and be a team player.

Why and How Rex Arrived at His Job

I have been an entrepreneur in the past and wanted to work with high-growth companies and entrepreneurs in an investment capacity. I also desired a high-performance role similar to strategy consulting or investment banking but without the 100 hour work weeks given my other life commitments with family, friends, continued education, personal civic work, etc.

I tapped into my business school’s alumni network to introduce me to people from various companies in the industry I wanted. The key is to talk, talk, and talk to people from the industry. Once I got informational interviews, I learned more about the opportunities existing in the companies I targeted.

Long-Term Career Goal/s

I plan to work in the Venture Capital industry down the road— this would enable me to work more closely with entrepreneurs and seed growth in industries.

Advice to Job-Seekers for the Same or a Similar Position

A few things:

• In terms of the application/ interview process: Learn the business case method. Also, “fit” is ultimately one of the most important factors so know the company you’re applying for very well
• In terms of background: Not having an investment banking or strategy consulting background isn’t a deal breaker— however, you need to demonstrate that you have the ability to do similar tasks as these high-performing roles (e.g. rigorous analysis, thriving in ambiguous situations, etc.)
• In terms of getting the job you want: Talk to more people in various industries/companies you’re interested in and ask your contacts to introduce you to more people. There’s no substitute for learning the nuances of your target industry or company— this will prepare you not only for the application and interview process but also in performing your job well once you get it.
• In terms of career goals: Know what you want (your passions, interests, ambitions) and find careers that fit these; base career decisions on your long-term objectives

Communications Consultant

Nina

Current Position

Managing Director and Owner, Likha Communications Consulting/ Regular contributor for various lifestyle and business publications

Job Insider

Role Description: As sole proprietor and managing director of a communications consultancy, I very often perform business development, client servicing/account management, creative, and administrative roles all at the same time. For every project that I get into, I do the following:

• Network, meet with prospects, prepare proposals and make pitches
• Source talents for my creative pool (freelancers—usually for copywriting, art direction/design/layout, photography, etc—are hired on a project basis)
• Manage the overall project
• Deal with third-party suppliers and contracted freelancers
• Write, copyedit, proofread
• Ensure quality assurance at the pre-press stage
• Supervise printing of publications and print materials

As a freelance writer/editor and a regular contributor for various publications, I source stories, conduct interviews, and write/edit articles for my various clients.

Typical Day: I usually work 12-16 hours in a day, 6-7 days per week. Every day is different, but the usual activities consist of the following:

• Attend client meetings, interviews, photo shoots, team interfaces, etc.
• Perform writing, editing, other editorial duties
• Read and respond to emails (sometimes this takes as much as 3 hours/day)
• Do administrative duties (e.g. prepare proposals/ paperwork, coordinate with suppliers, run bank errands, etc.)
• I also spend, on average, 3 hours a day for “extra-curricular activities.” On some days, this takes the whole day, especially when there are speaking engagements.

What I Love About the Job: I love meeting people from different fields and industries; I love the conversations I have and the friends I make because of the interviews that I conduct. I love the social aspect of my job in every way (e.g., attending events and launches, meeting artists, etc.). Of course, I love writing, and I enjoy researching and learning about new things in the process. I also enjoy making pitches, meeting with clients, etc. In many cases, my clients become my friends, and I almost always get repeat business because of the relationships I am able to build with people around me. Above all, I love the sense of empowerment that I get from being able to pursue a career that I love and being able to build a life that I feel is worth living.

What I Don’t Love About the Job: 1) Transcribing interviews! I enjoy the conversations, but not when I have to transcribe them and listen to them over and over again. It takes the joy out of the entire process. 2) The fact that I work alone and usually have to do the administrative tasks by myself. 3) The occasional feeling of insecurity over not having a “regular job” with a “regular paycheck.” But I always go back to why I decided to do this in the first place (empowerment, flexibility, etc.) and I don’t feel as bad.

Proudest Accomplishments: Let’s just say that I had very many lucky breaks in my writing career. By the time I had established my consultancy at 24, I had already: written a column for the country’s leading daily, managed the publication of 8 books, and co-written 1 book. It became quite easy to establish my credibility in the field despite the absence of a graduate degree or experience as a journalist or a “literary expert.”

Likha’s first two years were also very good, as I was able to work on a lot of groundbreaking projects and concepts. The one I’m most proud of was the 60th anniversary exhibit of the Liberal Party of the Philippines. Instead of the usual exhibit with staid old memorabilia and the tendency to be boring and overly nostalgic, my partner and I turned history into pieces of art that evoked strong emotions and made people feel proud to be associated with the Party. It was a very different approach to history and politics, and it was a very big hit. It required intense concentration and focus, hours and hours of research, attention to detail, collaboration with a lot of people and groups from the private sector, academe, and politics—AND, it also required an intuitive understanding of politics, art, culture, and relationships that no class or book can teach anyone.

Biggest Challenges: Right now, it’s usually sourcing the RIGHT people for each project. There are times when suppliers and collaborators “over-represent” their capabilities and are not able to deliver according to the desired or committed specifications. Sometimes, too, people stray from their commitments and you are left holding a [deadline] in your hand.

Who Would be a Fit with the Role

Job requirements:

• Superior proficiency in oral and written English
• Flexibility in writing and working style, proven ability to turn any subject into engaging reading material
• At least 3 years of experience in client-servicing/account management/project management
• At least 5 years of experience in marketing and corporate communications, advertising, public relations, or publishing
• Proven track record in working with teams, motivating people, spotting talent, training staff/collaborators
• Proven ability to work under intense pressure, tight deadlines, difficult clients, less-than-ideal conditions, etc.
• Uncompromising commitment to quality, effectiveness, and efficiency
• Excellent leadership and managerial skills

Skills/Education required:

• Copywriting, advertising, marketing/corporate communications, etc.
• Journalism, public relations
• Creative team management/creative direction
• Publications management (including pre-press technology, techniques, etc.)
• Client/account management
• Strategic planning
• Enterprise-building

Personal characteristics:

• Disciplined and focused yet flexible
• Independent-minded yet a leader and a team player
• Personable, reliable, trustworthy, credible
• Resourceful; does not panic or crack under pressure
• Perceptive and intuitive, with high EQ and can read between the lines
• Comfortable with both left- and right-brain activities; can easily multi-task and switch between functions without “short-circuiting”
• Attractive physical appearance a plus! ; )

Why and How Nina Arrived at Her Job

I did not seek a position; I created my own!

• Consciously gained experience in the private, non-profit, and government sectors to gain an understanding of the inner workings of each and to be connected to various networks
• Maintained strong connections to the academe, civil society, movers in society, arts and culture, business, government, etc.—the wider your social networks are, the “smaller your world” is, the better it is for you and your job
• Did not specialize in a particular field, or on a particular writing style—flexibility is a great asset to develop in this field

Long-Term Career Goal/s

I want to be established as one of the leading social entrepreneurs in the field of public/advocacy/political communications and social/cultural change. If given the chance, I would like to serve in public office.

Advice to Job-Seekers for the Same or a Similar Position

BE SURE THAT THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. It’s not for everybody—you need a high EQ, strong appetite for risk, a high tolerance for occasional bouts of financial instability, and passion, passion, passion. Monetary rewards often come late in this career. You need to have unwavering endurance, commitment, dedication to stay here—and to stay here with integrity. In this field, reputation is everything. You’ve got to earn your stripes and work your way up. This is not just a “business” – in many ways, it’s a calling and a lifestyle.

4 Things on Resume Presentation from Monster

Just read an article on Monster on the 4 things that resumes must have. In a nutshell, they are:

1. Have a compelling title and a clear objective in seeking employment
2. Use standard fonts/typefaces for the entire resume
3. While the recommended resume length is 1-page short, the rule of thumb is that resumes “should be long enough to sell you properly without overstating your accomplishments.”
4. Check for typos and grammatical mistakes

Recruit in Asia

For US/Europe-based workers who have a desire to work in Asia or for Asians who want to move around the region, here is an interesting job search engine for you– Recruit.net. It’s an “Indeed” or “Simplyhired” with an Australasia focus. It aggregates postings from its partner sites as well as serves up syndicated results for other sites. The company already has a presence in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, India, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore, and will soon launch portals for Vietnam and the Philippines.

I expect the company to be around for some time given its keen focus on hot (growing economic powers of the region) yet under-served markets as opposed to the hyper-competitive and saturated US market. Moreover, according to a Wharton MBA friend of mine, the advice that he got from their career services department is that this is definitely the time to work in Asia if you want to ride the growth curve (read: big potential returns in terms of value and experience). So demand will only increase for these more international job search players.

Introductions

Hello! This is Xavier– currently a strategic advisory professional for a large international internet company. The first question that comes to mind when someone blogs is “Why?” So a couple of things:

First, business school has opened career opportunities for me which were not available — or I was not even aware of — prior to pursuing a top MBA program. I have now been exposed to a wider variety of jobs & options which I had hoped I had visibility to earlier in my career. So part of my blog seeks to provide some insight into specific positions & careers — in an effort to help younger job-seekers discover and better understand what is out there.

Second, I have also corralled numerous job resources and contacts which I often leverage to refer jobs to friends and acquaintances. So I’m hoping to post resources and opportunities that may be interesting to some of you as well. And in today’s work environment where companies are under too much pressure to be lean and flexible (aka: layoffs, reorgs, industry consolidations), it may not be a bad idea to always be on the lookout.

I am extremely passionate about my job — and in blogging about jobs and careers I hope to assist other people in learning about various opportunities and in potentially finding a job that they are passionate about as well.