Employee Spotlight: Andrea Opperman, Senior Account Manager

Our Employee Spotlight series is designed to provide a deeper look into our talent here at Annalect across all different roles, teams and experience levels. You can expect to learn about passions inside and outside of our office walls.

What is your current role at Annalect?

I am a Senior Account Manager on client business working in Annalect’s Chicago office. It’s an interesting role because it’s a hybrid between Operations and Strategy. It gives me a unique opportunity to have a more in-depth view of the roles and responsibilities of these two Annalect Consulting pillars.

Describe a passion you have for the type of work you do and how Annalect helps to feed your passion?

The thing about ad tech is that it changes every.single.day. I love how, at Annalect, there is always a colleague that has a perspective or inside scoop on the latest and greatest. It’s amazing how we all come together and offer these various views on a frequent basis, which allows me to increase my understanding of this ever-changing space.

Can you think of a project you were a part of that you really enjoyed? Why?

I was given the opportunity to help out with marketing projects for Annalect Consulting. Aside from appointing an additional title to myself (Editor in Chief), this gave me the chance to utilize some skills that I have not leveraged since college. I enjoyed learning a new UI and working with Annalect leadership in order to send internal communications on behalf of Annalect Consulting.

What made you first enter your field? Was it planned or unplanned?

My entry into advertising was completely random. A brand new graduate moving to the Big Bad Apple, I had three interviews – one of which was at an agency. Wouldn’t you know, I got the job which sparked my interest in media. This interest ended up extending into the digital realm – specifically for digital planning and buying. An opportunity opened up at Annalect, and I started work in a field that constantly challenges me in a way I never imagined.

What advice would you give to someone just starting his/her career in your field?

I would recommend focusing on a specific aspect of ad tech and becoming an expert in it. This is completely aligned to the Subject Matter Expert program Annalect Consulting is engaged in. It allows for an immersion within technology and adds incredible value to the team. I would also urge that person to find a company that not only encourages growth but fosters it as well.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

Hobbies at work include singing along to Jimmy Buffett in hopes that my cubemates will join in and scoping out the leftovers situation in the kitchens. Hobbies outside of work include hanging out with the best dog on this side of the Mississippi (Blue), running and training for marathons, Chicago summers and street festivals, traveling, and the occasional Cubs game.