Interview With Samarra (Advertising Analyst)

1) Where were you born and raised? Also tell us something unique about yourself.

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Something unique about myself is that I studied theater and performance for 8 years in high school and college. It was a passion of mine for a while until I made the decision to transition into paid advertising as a career path. I now get to be creative in a different way and I love it.

2) What got you interested in marketing and what was your journey?

When I graduated college, a family-friend of mine was getting started on a business and asked if I could build a website and manage her social media for her. I had some website building experience, so I agreed. I spent months working with her and pondered about doing something similar full time. Back then, I didn’t know about digital marketing and the different avenues you could take.

So for a while I spent a lot of time researching and came across a digital marketing course by Seth Jared Hymes . This course truly changed my life and I accredit Seth for my knowledge and love of digital marketing. After completing his course, I was able to do some volunteer work and then find a full time job managing ad accounts for Google Ads, Facebook, the list goes on.

3) What skills and industry do you specialize in?

I currently work with political clients managing ad accounts in Google Ads, Facebook, X and other programmatic platforms like The Trade Desk.

4) What is your best soft skill?

My best soft skill is my warm and positive attitude. It’s so important to me to make sure that I am welcoming to every person I come in contact with. Especially in this industry where things can be high stress or very results driven. I like to make sure I am treating people how I want to be treated. It helps in building solid relationships and having good rapport.

5) What softwares and tools do you use regularly?

Campaign Manager, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, X Ads, TTD, Salesforce.

6) What are your goals for the next year and into the future?

I’m not sure what the future holds, but I’m really focused on learning as much as I can and building my skills. The stronger my skills are, the more valuable I am to my team and any future employers.

7) What has been the hardest thing you dealt with in your career path?

The hardest thing I’ve dealt with was putting myself out there when it came to looking for a full time digital marketing position. I had the basic skills and worked with my own clients, however, when it came to job hunting, I dealt with a lot of rejection. It messed with my confidence for a little while, but I knew what I wanted and kept going.

8) What is the biggest mistake you made that you want others to avoid?

My biggest mistake would probably be comparing myself to others. It only slows you down and leaves space for you to doubt yourself. Focus on your “why” and what things you can control to get you closer to your goals.

9) Who are your favorite people in the industry that you follow?

Seth Jared Hymes , Neil Patel , and various accounts on LinkedIn to stay up to date with all the digital marketing happenings.

10) Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?

Seth Hymes - If I hadn’t stumbled across his course, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

11) What has been your favorite course that you taken and why?

Digital Marketing Career Blueprint by Seth Hymes. This course gives you step by step guidance on how to learn necessary skills in DM and find a career path that speaks to you.

12) What would you tell yourself or someone who is just starting out in marketing?

If you are serious about a career in marketing, don’t get caught up in needing a specific certificate or degree- just GET EXPERIENCE. There are all kinds of people that need help with SEO, running ads, or website building. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find those opportunities. They’re everywhere.

13) If the entire world was listening to you, what would you have to say?

Commit to yourself every single day and you will never fail.

14) Where can we find you?

LinkedIn .