Question

What advice does Bruce G. Smith offer to those interested in a career in marketing or business?

A portrait of Advertising Manager Bruce G Smith.
Career Connection

Name: Bruce G. Smith

Company: PEMCO Mutual Insurance Company

Job Title: Advertising Manager

What are some of your favorite parts about your job?

The job is always changing, meaning what worked in the past won’t necessarily work in the future. You always need to be aware of new developments and trends in the market.



What are some of the biggest challenges of your job?

The biggest challenge is making your product or service stand out from your competitors. This is especially true when you’re marketing insurance.



What project(s) are you most proud of?

Most recently, participating in developing and launching PEMCO’s “We’re A Lot Like You. A Little Different.” advertising campaign.



What kind of educational background or training did you need to get started in your field?

Business degree, post-college seminars and classes (you can never stop learning).



In your field, what qualities are most important for someone to have?

Being a team player, being nimble, and communication, communication, communication. Also important is multi-tasking, juggling deadlines and priorities--that seems necessary for everyone in Marketing.



What advice do you have for someone interested in a career in marketing or business?

First, get involved at work, in your industry, and your community. Second, never stop learning about new or better ways to market.

What specific role do you play at your company?

Manage broadcast and print media purchase and placement. Consult with 80+ independent insurance agencies, which represent PEMCO, on their advertising and promotional activities. Oversee budget planning and reporting activities for PEMCO’s marketing department.



What are some things you do in a typical work day?

Consult with media consultants and account representatives on purchase and placement of PEMCO’s media. Work with outside agents on their advertising strategies and tactics as they relate to PEMCO’s brand.



What resources do you use in your work? (software, equipment, reference materials, Web sites, etc.)?

• Software: Microsoft® Office® Excel®, Word, Access®, Outlook®, and Internet Explorer®

• Equipment: PC, dual screen

• Reference materials: industry and internal reports

• Web sites: Google™, Facebook®, Twitter®, Yammer, PEMCO’s internal Web sites



What made you decide to do the work you're doing?

I’ve always been intrigued with the financial industry, first banking and now insurance.



What were you most surprised about when you started working in your field?

When you as a marketer get tired of seeing your own advertising campaign, that’s about the time the majority of consumers are just starting to take notice.

Answer 1

His direct advice:
- “First, get involved at work, in your industry, and your community.”
- “Second, never stop learning about new or better ways to market.”

Related recommendations from his answers:
- Pursue a business degree and continue with post‑college seminars/classes—“you can never stop learning.”
- Develop key qualities: be a team player, be nimble, and practice strong communication; be able to multi‑task and juggle deadlines and priorities.
- Stay aware of new developments and trends in the market so your approaches keep evolving.