Fellow women in account management, how do you assert your authority in a male-dominated client meeting? I had a call last week where I was leading the discussion, but the client kept directing questions to my male colleague—who, to his credit, redirected them back to me. I’ve noticed this pattern a lot, especially with older clients, and I’m tired of having to prove I belong in the room. I try to speak with confidence and come prepared with data, but sometimes it still feels like an uphill battle. What strategies have worked for you to be taken seriously right from the start?

Got way too drunk at a work event last night. Please tell me horror stories to make me feel better 🙇🏽

What’s the hiring market like in Texas for a 4th year investment management associate? I’m interested in Austin but understand there may be more opportunities in Houston or Dallas. Graduated with honors and on law review at a T14, if that helps at all.

Got a case where client got in a car accident and called the police the other driver gave completely fake information and the police didn't check it. What's our recourse to track them down?

I'm in a litigation, about 9 months in. Is it normal that I spend majority of my time making bundles for my partners (printing, binding, moving docs in a different order whenever there are new documents or he wants to add stuff) reviewing documents and making tables (e.g. dates, which documents are from where), and the only legal work is like notices of admission, list of documents, the occasional research? I'm so bored and I want to quit but I don't know if I have unrealistic expectations.

Advice on managing up / enduring toxic deal teams? I’m at the point where my stomach drops any time I see something come in from certain people. Everything is behind, client is unhappy, I’m exhausted and simultaneously being micromanaged without guidance on big-picture/substantive issues. I keep trying to tell myself at least this is consulting and the project will be over... eventually...

Do you guys talk to chambers for the firm interview?

Any other first year associates feel like their firms don’t really appreciate how much COVID/WFH has stunted their development? I’ve been working at a biglaw firm for 5 months and don’t feel at all like a part of the team, and am extremely stressed out by the isolation of WFH most days. I’m not really sure that anyone at the firm realizes this is happening.

I'm a long time prosecutor getting into the ID game and billable hours. Are there any resources out there that can help me get more effective/efficient without spending months/years learning the hard way? Some days I'm at the office 10 hours, took virtually no breaks and yet only bill 7. 🤬

To NYC members: Anyone here planning on sitting for FAR in December or January and would like to join a weekly (or biweekly) study group on the UES?

Which is a better specialization option within consulting? Commercial Operations (sales & marketing) vs. R&D Strategy in Biotech? Would the answer be different if it was focused within Pharma? No Ph.D.

I have been working in healthcare clinics and health techs for a few years now. I’m an independent consultant. Bust, a friend of mine referred me to a big bank job. The role is of data governance manager. What should I know for the interview, or how can I prepare for it? Any thoughts? They told me I don’t need financial background. Data is data, but they wanted to know metadata management and how do I build frameworks/implement enterprise systems.

Any good book recommendations? Both fiction and non

I've recently went to a restaurant and saw a robot waiter, I thought that was the coolest thing. What do you all feel about this shift in the restaurant industry?

Redeemed my recognition points for a portable air conditioner. Hope it's effective!

Client sent over a 90 MB model this evening. Took 10 minutes to open and a fraction of that to crash. Can’t wait for tomorrow 😭

Hello fishes,
Anyone has a clue when will Form-16 be available?
My LWD is near, so just wanted all these docs before I loose access.

730 GMAT. Unknown LAC UG, 0.5 years in Industry. Top 10 business school master and 3 years experience in tech consulting at PwC (1.5 years as senior). Asian Female. Target on M7. Any chance?

Anyone know what the current atmosphere is like in McCann New York after they lost one of their biggest clients, U.S. Army? Does losing such a client deteriorate an agency’s culture/career prospects?

How often do scopes change? I thought it was normally on an annual basis with some exceptions but my CD is telling me they change constantly. Someone educate me…

Tired of hearing all the "account people suck” comments on this app. Get some new material creatives.

Any thoughts on Laundry Service?

Trying to figure out from a client relations perspective how much I need to be fluent in Google Analytics and the planning and buying process of paid media: social and search.
I want to be more fluent and speak eloquently about it so that I am well rounded in my role.
My current position doesn't allow for any hands on experience. Any advice would be appreciated in terms of how to gain the experience or course recommendations.

Right so here’s a bit of a dilemma I work to a much higher standard at home and it’s this high standard that means I’m in line for a promotion. I’ve grown so much and I feel really strong in my role I’m also busier than ever. The problem is we’re going back into the office and I don’t want to go in if it’s just going to be senior management in asking me to get them lunches for client meetings or fetch a glass of water and cutlery for meeting rooms. Definitely not ready to go back to that….

I’m pretty passive when I’m disrespected by creative but I think it sets a bad example for my team. If any of my reports were spoken to the way I was I’d raise hell...how set example?

What’s the average time spent in an AE role? I’m eyeing an SAE position and feel like I’m already taking on some of this responsibilities

I work for a small agency and manage our internal marketing acct. We had very few processes in place when I started. I’ve since created, implemented, and trained our dept. on project mgmt for clients and am trying to convince the owner to apply those principles to our internal jobs. They are resistant because they just want the work to be done and don’t “want to keep spending money on internal jobs”. I’m confused because we’re doing the work either way and “spending” in labor/resources.

Is 7 weeks too early to start thinking I may have made a huge mistake in switching to my current gig? I left the last place because it was overr toxic and terrible W/L balance, for one that seemed to be more “fun” and more realistic hours, only to find that I’ve now been working 12 -14 hours a day and just drowning and feeling like I cannot catch up or catch my breath. Everyone is in the same boat here which is why I’m so overwhelmed so quickly with no support. Is this an immediate red flag?

I want to quit without a job lined up. My agency is a dumpster fire of incompetent project managers, revolving door of creatives and culture of not holding people accountable amidst a micromanaging gossipy leadership. I just want out. Tell me it is ok and will be alright.

What tools do folks use and love to understand project timelines and collision that has resource allocation / management? Looking for something that enables us to see a view at one click.

Moving from AM to AD at another agency. Any words of advice?

What are key questions to ask a sitting account team during an interview to better assess how great or terrible their current clients and/or projects are?

I'm currently an SEO Analyst/Web Developer/Digital Marketer. Looking to be more client facing in the future. You think I have a chance in an Account Management role?

Any account managers in here for chemical sales? Want to learn more about it...

Is there such thing as a true account role at major branding agencies? Ex. Interbrand, Landor, Pentagram...Sounds like in many cases it’s actually just PM under a different name.

Hi Account friends! It’s the start of a new year and I was hoping you all could share any book / newsletter / blog / course recommendations that help keep you up to snuff. Feeling a bit stale and like the last year has been a tactical grind. I want to brush up on modern thinking for our industry - the latest and greatest marketing books, strategy perspectives, creative self help, etc. to feel more alive as we start 2022.

Comment your favs and THANK YOU in advance!

When’s the best time to go client side? Wait till I get a promotion or try to switch sooner rather than later?

Hi AMs, my agency, BGB Group, has openings for the following positions:
Account Executive/Sr. Account Executive
Associate Account Supervisor/Account Supervisor
Group Account Supervisor
AVP/VP, Group Account Supervisor
SVP, Management Supervisor
EVP, Digital Innovation
EVP, Payer