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Just Landed Alumni
› Meredith Nilges ’04
Advertising and Marketing
Communications
SCAN highlights School of Communications alumni who recently landed jobs in their field. Meredith Nilges (BA, Advertising and Marketing Communications, 2004) is an assistant account executive for Zipatoni, a St. Louis-based advertising agency.
SCAN: How did you land your job?
Meredith Nilges: I originally interviewed for a temp position to try to get my foot in the door. I knew I wanted to work at Zipatoni and was open to any opportunity. I didn’t get that position, but I did get an interview for another position, which ended up being exactly what I wanted to do.
SCAN: When do you realize this was the career for you?
MN: It’s hard to say. I had a great internship in account service at Waylon Ad and it helped me realize that account service is a great fit for my skills and personality.
SCAN: Any advice for those looking for a job?
MN: Know what you want to do and the kind of company you want to work for and pursue it. Be persistent. You will never find the right job unless you are actively looking for it.
SCAN: Best on-the-job experience so far?
MN: It’s hard to give a “best” experience. I’ve really enjoyed working at Zipatoni for so many different reasons. The people are some of the brightest, most talented and unique people. The company, in general, has such a great vibe. I work on great brands and have great clients.
SCAN: Worst on-the-job experience so far?
MN: I haven’t had any worst experiences. I try to take everything in stride. If you can remember not to take work personally, you can pretty much avoid “worst” experiences.
SCAN: Which Web site is your home away from “Home”?
MN: shopbop.com, neimanmarcus.com, enokiworld.com and coolhunting.com. I’m a fiend for clothes.
SCAN: Best way to fuel creativity?
MN: Change, any kind of change. Getting out of your typical work space or talking with different people, different music.
SCAN: What’s on your desk right now?
MN: Four pictures of my dog, an empty coffee cup, a glass of water, hard candy and mints. Behind my desk is a target from when I went shooting for the first time (Watch out, I’m good). Also, a copy of “The Art of Client Service” and last month’s Vogue.
SCAN: Favorite fringe benefit of your job?
MN: I could never pick just one. Zipatoni is one of the most amazing, incredible and unique places to work. The culture is out of control with such a great vibe and atmosphere. I wear jeans to work every day, there is a company bar, you can bring your dogs to work, we have a great juke box, our company meetings are fun, the people are great, the office is full of life. I could go on and on, but I won’t!
SCAN: Is your current salary more or less than you expected to be making at this point?
MN: About what you should expect. I’d rather love my job and make less than hate it and make more. It’s always good to remember that you spend more time at work than any other place, so you better like it.
SCAN: What’s on your iPod?
MN: I totally love indie rock. Right now I’m really into Interpol, Bloc Party, the new White Stripes album, Death Cab for Cutie. I like The Vines, The Strokes, Snow Patrol, Killers, VHS or Beta, anything from the Beatles, Prince, Rolling Stones, old Michael Jackson and Madonna.
SCAN: Any bumper stickers on your car?
MN: God no. I hate bumper stickers.
SCAN: Last movie you saw?
MN: “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” I’m obsessed with it. Everyone should see it — hilarious.
SCAN: Thing you miss most about Webster?
MN: The amazing professors (particularly Nancy Wilson) and the unique classroom experience.
Did you just land a job in your field? E-mail scan@webster.edu and tell us about it.
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