Catherine Mercer

Film production skills combined with experience and savvy networking has led Catherine from social media and communications roles to marketing studies.

I was home-schooled until age 13 so in my free time I made many short films with my younger sister. In high school I grew a passion for film and theatre through subjects like Drama, English and Classics. I also loved all parts of theatre, and chose to study Theatre as my minor, with Film as my major. Originally, I wanted to become a big shot director, but my career goals shifted over my years at university. Once I finished my degree, I knew I would be interested in any position that involved video production, whether that be in advertising, on YouTube, or content creation for businesses.

While I enjoyed critically analysing films, I loved hands-on production the most. Making a film is a very different experience from watching one! The biggest surprise for me was how much I enjoyed producing as opposed to other roles. Being a producer encompassed everything I was good at and enjoyed, while also challenging my inner introvert to be confident in managing a group of people. Creating a film from start to finish was the most beneficial experience - it showed me what the timeline of production looked like in the industry and taught me the value of time management and collaboration. I also studied a few Media and Marketing courses, which introduced me to video production on social media, and video as a means of advertising.

My first role out of university was in customer service for Wellington City Council. I voiced my interest in social media to my manager, who was fully on board. Together, we created content for our social channels, taking photos for Instagram and connecting with customers on Facebook. We advertised a plant sale online, which led to a line of customers out the door! At a WCC training day, I met someone who worked in Communications. The role sounded perfect, so I voiced my interest. She shared my details with her old manager at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Luckily enough, they were hiring a Comms Assistant, and I got the job! I worked in Communications at ESR for a year before deciding that Marketing was where my passion lay. I am now studying towards my Graduate Diploma in Commerce specialising in Marketing.

In my comms role, I used my video production skills to create short videos of our CEO speaking to staff about the COVID situation and ensuring staff wellbeing. My experience in social media led to me creating a social media plan and assisting in content creation for the company.

I am now studying towards my Graduate Diploma in Commerce specialising in Marketing. I chose to return to study because I wanted to pursue a career in Marketing (specifically in advertising) and felt that further study would ensure my employability within this sector. During my past year of employment during the COVID lockdown, I learned how to effectively work from home, which was a valuable experience. I was even able to continue making videos. Instead of filming in person, we recorded over Teams. It showed me how versatile different roles can be, and that with a little creativity, anything can be achieved.

I would strongly advise to pick up any opportunity to show your skills in the areas you are interested in. For me, I loved social media and video production. I voiced these interests to my managers, who then gave me work in these areas. Highlight these things on your CV.  While I worked in customer service, my focus was on my social media experience, not my sales skills. I also think networking is vital, even in the COVID age. It doesn't have to be in person - simply calling or emailing a company or hiring manager directly can make a huge difference. Most importantly, be open to different careers. It took me a while to find where I want to be, and I will continue to learn and adapt in the future.