Calvin Stowell, Director of Digital & Content, DoSomething.org
As the Director of Digital and Content for DoSomething.org, Calvin is responsible for aligning the nonprofit’s digital and social marketing strategy with a variety of KPIs (key performance indicators) for its growing roster of campaigns. He works closely with the marketing team to seamlessly integrate digital influencers, email blasts, texts, editorial and more into multi-platform campaigns, which target young, cause-minded individuals and span several causes and countries.
As someone who has experienced the power of networking first-hand, Calvin believes that meaningful connections can significantly improve chances of success in any role or industry. Calvin is based in New York City, lives for a good happy hour and would love to run his own business in the future. Follow him on Twitter @aurosan and read more about his career:
On first jobs:
I started working full time at 14, but my first serious gig was at 18 or 19 at Apple in NYC. I worked at the big cube in 5th Avenue. I worked there for 3 years and navigated horizontally while I was there. It was good experience and has made me much more empathetic to people working in retail/service jobs.
On tools and resources:
I am weird and don't use any third party applications for social. I don't like them. Every gizmo in the world isn't going to help you in digital if it isn't in your gut.
Advice:
Grow up. No one is going to hold your hand in NYC and make sure you land safely. It's all about putting yourself out there and being able to take responsibility and handle the responsibility you take - and the way you get there is networking. No one wants to hear it, but networking is by far the most important thing you need to do. You could be the world's most qualified whatever and someone's friend's cousin's brother would still got the job over you, just because they have a connection. It isn't fair, but that's the reality of the business world.
On the biggest news in social media:
It's about to be all pay for play, which really sucks if you're starting something new or work for an organization without a marketing budget. Get in the door before it's too late or start moving money towards digital.
On partnering with companies or celebrities:
We have a rule about never paying talent to appear in a PSA or lend us support. Some charities do. Those charities suck. They set a really dangerous precedent for the rest of us. There are a lot of celebs who are incredible and truly care about a cause, and those are the best ones you can find.
As someone who has experienced the power of networking first-hand, Calvin believes that meaningful connections can significantly improve chances of success in any role or industry. Calvin is based in New York City, lives for a good happy hour and would love to run his own business in the future. Follow him on Twitter @aurosan and read more about his career:
On first jobs:
I started working full time at 14, but my first serious gig was at 18 or 19 at Apple in NYC. I worked at the big cube in 5th Avenue. I worked there for 3 years and navigated horizontally while I was there. It was good experience and has made me much more empathetic to people working in retail/service jobs.
On tools and resources:
I am weird and don't use any third party applications for social. I don't like them. Every gizmo in the world isn't going to help you in digital if it isn't in your gut.
Advice:
Grow up. No one is going to hold your hand in NYC and make sure you land safely. It's all about putting yourself out there and being able to take responsibility and handle the responsibility you take - and the way you get there is networking. No one wants to hear it, but networking is by far the most important thing you need to do. You could be the world's most qualified whatever and someone's friend's cousin's brother would still got the job over you, just because they have a connection. It isn't fair, but that's the reality of the business world.
On the biggest news in social media:
It's about to be all pay for play, which really sucks if you're starting something new or work for an organization without a marketing budget. Get in the door before it's too late or start moving money towards digital.
On partnering with companies or celebrities:
We have a rule about never paying talent to appear in a PSA or lend us support. Some charities do. Those charities suck. They set a really dangerous precedent for the rest of us. There are a lot of celebs who are incredible and truly care about a cause, and those are the best ones you can find.