Tracy Sinclair
AQUENT
Tracy Sinclair is the Director of the Marketing Practice at Aquent, a talent agency for marketing and design talent. Prior to Aquent, Tracy was a Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble and a strategy consultant for Zyman Group. She has a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Cornell University.
Question
I am an international Business major. I speak two languages and have 5 years of marketing, sales and management experience. My ultimate goal is to be involved in International Brand management or International Marketing/Advertising field. It is extremely difficult to get my foot in the door because nobody wants to hire somebody without international experience. But how am I supposed to get International experience if nobody hires me? I graduated in 2004 and I haven't been able to get in that field yet! What do you suggest I do?
Answer
It can be frustrating to break into an industry that requires experience. Why not think about it a different way? Instead of trying to get a job in international brand management right off the bat, instead focus on getting a position in a company that will enable that type of role at some point. While it may be 2-3 years before you can prove yourself and land the opportunity to go abroad, at least you’ll have accomplished your goal. Most large CPG companies are global, but make sure you choose to work at one that values their employees moving around to different countries. It also will help your candidacy to study abroad while in school.