As part of an ongoing series highlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia presents “One Under 30” – a special feature that focuses on up-and-coming talent in the ad world, one person at a time.
This week we talk to An Thuy Dao, Social Media Specialist at Wavemaker Vietnam. Though she studied graphic design, her career course took her into social media management.
Over the course of our conversation, she talks about how she got her first break in the industry, what she loves about the work, what she doesn’t like about it, and more.
The Basics
Name: An Thuy Dao
Age: 26
Agency: Wavemaker Vietnam
Position: Social Media Specialist
Current Location: Ho Chi Minh
Education: FPT Arena, Advanced Diploma in Multimedia, 2017, Lincoln University College, Malaysia, BA (Hons) Creative Multimedia Technology, 2022
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
I graduated as a Graphic Designer, and yes, you and everyone would think that I was supposed to join a creative agency or maybe do some “real” creative work. But no! I applied to a media agency as a social media executive then.
Honestly, I did not know anything about media/digital. However, my leader taught me a lot, and I found many exciting things; after two months, I decided to stay!
Besides that, I also collaborate with other members for design brief development and clarification for design direction to develop design exploration assets. Design template/layout for pitches or client presentations.
Especially research and keep updated on emerging design trends and practices.
What is your personal mantra?
“I create my own path, walk it with joy and happiness” is my mantra.
I know climbing the highest mountain is much easier, but breaking the mind’s barriers is complicated. There is joy, freedom, and enduring satisfaction at the end of the tunnel if we overcome these psychological obstacles.
Walking your own path does not mean that you do something unconventional. It simply means to become aware of your inner self and make conscious decisions.
From what person, place or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
My elder sister is the one and only person who inspired me (while growing up). She also works in the creative industry, and she helps me a lot!
I also use my annual leave to relax, and I think it’s helped me a lot with thinking and creating!
What do you love about the job?
Work with a lot of people! My scope of work usually helps all my colleagues (internal or external). Helping people to make everything better and nicer makes me feel love my job a lot!
What about your job are you not so crazy about?
Deadlines! Yes, everyone hates them, but they are so effective (especially in business).
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
I work internally with all my team members; I help them to fix all the mistakes work vendor, clients, make it better and nicer (re-design banners, Key visuals, or edit videos).
I also help the external team (global, other regional) to make presentations, videos, etc. I’m proud of everything I did and happy to help them!
As I managed the entire campaign from winning to executing, it specifically forced me to communicate more effectively, and I still use what I learned in this campaign today.
If you had to choose another career what would it be?
Psychology! Cause I want to understand human behavior and mental processes that allow you to better understand how we think act and feel.
