Alumni Spotlight: Abigail Gamble
Abigail Gamble (MPC 2011) is a Communications Manager at Mayk Ideas, a marketing agency specializing in strategic branding campaigns for financial services clients. We sat down with Abigail to talk global communication, making an impact and how to stay relevant in today’s interconnected communications landscape.
By: Caitlin Boros, MPC 2014
Since graduating from the MPC program, Abigail has found her niche in developing strategic branding, and recently shared with me her thoughts on creating “kick-ass content” and her advice for people considering a career in communications.
What do you do in your role as Communications Manager at Mayk Ideas?
Mayk Ideas is a small branding and marketing agency. My role is to oversee a team of copywriters, create communication strategies and do public and media relations on behalf of clients.
Were you always interested in strategic communications and marketing?
I actually worked in the trades (refinishing floors and kitchens) before doing my undergraduate degree in journalism. Then, I spent a summer working at a radio station in Rwanda before starting the MPC program.
What are some of the skills you developed in the MPC program that you still use in your work today?
The strategic thinking skills I developed during my MPC are invaluable to my role. The ability to critically analyze any communications goal or dilemma and strategically develop a plan of action is integral to producing effective content.
This month’s newsletter is all about community, globalization and traversing borders. What are your thoughts on the role of communications in a globalized context?
From the constant innovation of new tech to ever-evolving engagement mediums, I think efficient, bold and professional communication practice is essential for business and personal success.
Along with increased international connectedness comes greater “noise”. How do we stay relevant?
Produce kick-ass content. And be strategic in how you present that content, involving visual design as part of the process, not simply as an afterthought. A lot of the noise out there is crap, so we have to make sure our product is of value and of interest to the target audience.
If you had one tip for students in the incoming MPC class, what would it be?
Take the time to really sink your teeth into a topic or theory. This is your opportunity to develop a niche interest or speciality, which you can continue to grow long after leaving the MPC program.
FUN FACTS
Okay, now for the fun part – the lightening round!
Dog or Cat?
Neither…
Mac or PC?
Mac all the way!
What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
Everything you do is your choice in the end. So own it.
Favourite place to eat in Toronto?
That’s too difficult to say! I love my Queen West neighbourhood because I have so many options!
Your next adventure?
Visit Cambodia to explore my mom’s home country, or meet up with a friend in South America.