Jane Neame, Accounts Executive, AECdesign, marketing & advertising

Has the face of marketing changed in the 21st century?
The principles remain constant throughout time: satisfying consumer needs and wants. Although the range of tools available to achieve this has increased as technology progresses. The 21st century brings new medias and no doubt this trend will continue in the future.

What are the best aspects of being a Marketing Strategist?
I really enjoy solving marketing problems with creative solutions. The creative process is exciting and you can let your mind wander and create great ideas. You then face the challenge of making these ideas come to life!

Why did you choose marketing as a career and what skills are required to be successful?
I chose marketing as a career initially because of my interest in advertising. I have always enjoyed creative writing and the advertising world seemed exciting. Once I began my studies at University I learnt the varying aspects of Marketing and really enjoyed these also.

I also chose Marketing as it presents great career prospects, everything needs to be brought and sold, and so marketing presents a strong career.

Any hidden talents/interesting hobbies?
I enjoy sports and being active outdoors.

Gavin O'Donovan, Senior Economist, AECeconomics

Why is economics important to business? Economic and financial knowledge is a vital component of any successful 'business', whether it be in the form of a local government, small business, or major miner or manufacturer. In order to survive in an increasingly competitive trading environment, each firm must ensure that its resources are allocated to productive ends, its operations are efficient, it is able to continue to meet the needs of its customers and it is able to meet the cash flow demands associated with business growth. Economic analysis ensures that informed decisions are made and therefore improves the chances of long-term viability.

How did your career begin?
My career began back in 1996, when I moved to Sydney to work as Policy Analyst for the Reserve Bank of Australia. After two years in the foreign exchange and international financial markets sections of the Bank, I moved to the Sydney office of United States-based Stone & McCarthy Research Associates where I was their sole Australian fixed interest and economic analyst.

What type of work have you been involved in since joining the AECgroup?
I moved back to Brisbane and joined the AECgroup in January 2000 and have worked on a wide range of projects since. My primary role has been to assist local governments in implementing commercial concepts to their business activities through National Competition Policy and the Business Management Assistance Program, although I have also completed numerous consultancies on feasibility studies (from small tourism ventures to large mining projects), cost-benefit analyses and economic impact assessments. I have also provided assistance to local government in lobbying for greater road funding and have developed numerous models to assist local governments in implementing new methods of charging for services such as water, sewerage, trade waste and refuse collection and disposal.

Greatest challenge/most important aspect of your job?
I would have to say the variety of work is the most important aspect of my job as it keeps me interested in what I am doing, and enables me to obtain broad knowledge across all aspects of economic and financial analysis. The ability to assist local government and private sector entities in managing their finances as efficiently as possible and developing new projects from scratch also provides me with satisfaction.

Any hidden talents/interesting hobbies?
I have played a number of sports at regional level, including volleyball and golf, and rely heavily on music, television and movies to wind down after work.