Updating Results
Menu

Mae-Ann Soh

What's your job about?

Publift aims to help publishers improve their websites to have an integrated experience that isn’t cluttered by advertising but instead, a fluid experience for the user that also generates revenue for the publisher through advertising. My part is to liaise with clients on upcoming revenue opportunities which could be optimising the advertising networks they work with, implementing the recommended ad layout on the site, introducing new ad technologies and many others. My tasks are to ensure that data is collected accurately and analysed so that the client can understand what changes have made revenue for them and what other changes need to be made in order to make more revenue or cut their losses.

What's your background?

I grew up in Singapore but migrated to Australia when I was 15. In university, I was involved with different types of volunteering, but enjoyed teaching English and Australian culture to international students the most. As for part time jobs, I dabbled in babysitting and tutoring. I came across the Account Manager position when I was tracking the positions on UNSW Careers Online website. Although I did not meet all the listed qualifications, I decided to give it a shot and emailed Publift expressing my keen interest and eagerness to learn on the job. After a screening test and an interview with the co-founders, I got the position and started work in February.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, field of study at university is not so much the important thing in this job, but rather what attitude you bring to the table. If you’re keen to learn new things in an industry that is constantly changing, then you are starting out on a good footing. Other characteristics that are valued are accuracy as we handle data frequently as well as being able to strike up a rapport with clients whom we keep in close contact regularly.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I like knowing that the work I do has a real impact on the company and our clients. Across our large client portfolio, we run projects to determine how we can best improve our client’s site and advertising revenue, which thereafter has a positive uplift on company revenue as well. These projects involve data collection, monitoring and gathering recommendations which we communicate to clients for their approval. Having this knowledge also keeps us at the forefront over competitors and clients value our insight which makes us experts in the field, so that’s quite good to know!

What are the limitations of your job?

When first starting out on the job, there is a fairly steep learning curve because there is so much to know about advertising and the technologies for it. Thankfully, there is an online self-learning program called Google Publisher University and colleagues at work also lend their expertise to help out.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student…

  • Grow as a person by being involved in volunteering, part time work and other campus activities
  • Be a team player in group work and try being both a leader and member to understand the strengths needed in each position and where you can improve in those roles
  • Use the summer and winter breaks wisely to find a good rhythm of resting in order to be productive and sharp during term time. This will help a lot when you transition to working life.