What We Know Now: Amy Shrewsbery

If you were to look back on the start of your career, what words of wisdom you would give to your future self? Since one of Hanson’s core values is “stay curious,” we’ve been asking ourselves that same question. We invited a few Hansonites to reflect back to the start of their careers and reveal some lessons learned, including Video Production Specialist Ben Eddings, Account Director Sue Woten-Schultz, and Connection Strategist Chris Kujawski. Today our conversation is with Amy Shrewsbery, Senior Account Manager.

Sally: From previous conversations, I know that you majored in film and theater studies in college. How did you make the transition from post-production and editing to account management?

Amy: Upon graduating from a private college, there were bills to pay. I wasn’t too keen on being a poor artist in a big city (which I hadn’t considered), so I took a job working at a bank and learned that I loved interacting with people, learning about them, and helping find solutions that meet their needs. When a position opened at Hanson, it seemed like the best of both worlds. I would get to interact with people, and would still get to be involved with something creative.

There is also a component of research for theater and film that was always my favorite part of a new show or project. A huge part of success in theater and film is learning about an era or researching a subject so that your work is accurate, entertaining and relevant. The great thing is, it also works like that for digital properties. My position now allows me to connect with a creative entity, explore types of people, learn how to work best with them, and be a part of a process to develop great solutions and ideas.

Sally: What’s something that surprised you when you first started working in client services?

Amy: I was surprised to learn just how hard people actually work in client services. A good account manager learns to smile and stay pleasant through hard times and crazy work hours. They make the job look and feel effortless, which is important to keep the rest of the team and the client calm and happy. But behind the scenes, there is some blood, sweat and tears (maybe not as much blood). Now that I think of it, maybe that’s why I like it. There’s a theatrical element to it.

Sally: Is there anything you know now that you wish you’d known at the start of your career?

Amy: Confidence and a positive attitude are key. Both radiate from you and really influence everyone’s opinion of you. You could be the most hard working person in the world, but if you don’t believe it and show it, no one else will either. Positive energy and enthusiasm are contagious and go along way. I tried an experiment on this once through Dale Carnegie training where I took an hour out of every day and did every task for that duration with enthusiasm. I can’t even explain the results. It was an important lesson to learn for me to keep my own attitude in check, keep the team motivated, and get the client excited about projects.

Stay tuned for more career reflections from other members of our team.