Two years ago, Heleen joined clovio as the latest Student Content Creator. Fast forward to today, and she’s our Head of Partnerships. In this second interview, Heleen explains how she was able to grow so much in her career in such a short time and describes her most important responsibilities as Head of Partnerships. Additionally, she provides some advice for both career advancement and how to land a job as a Partnership Account Manager. Heleen ends our interview by explaining why she loves to travel and sharing some of her favorite destinations.
What is your current role in the clovio team?
I’m currently Head of Partnerships at clovio. I started working here two years ago as a Student Content Creator. After graduating, I joined the team full-time, first as a Partnership Account Manager and then as Head of Partnerships. I offer our partners content and exposure on our websites and negotiate the partnership terms. I also advise and give the Partnership Account Managers feedback during their negotiations. As well as this, I manage the content on our Belgian websites.
What do you consider the most important aspect of your role with clovio?
The most important part is partnerships. Even though we create stellar content, we still need to ensure we get rewarded appropriately for the results we achieve. The Partnerships Team makes the campaigns beneficial for both the advertiser and publisher. A good relationship is key, so that we are able to discuss measures to improve and evaluate performance.
What do you enjoy the most about working at clovio?
I’m grateful for all the opportunities clovio offers. Even if you have little experience, clovio always provides the chance to take on different responsibilities, learn from them and grow in your career. For example, early on I represented clovio at conferences and got to meet partners face-to-face. Another perk is using the clovio Guest Suite in Lisbon for international clovions.
You started as a Student Content Creator and are now Head of Partnerships. What advice do you have for those who want to progress in their careers?
It’s important to be motivated, ambitious and do your best. But your abilities will only get you so far, as it also depends on the company you work for. For example, clovio offers many growth opportunities and allows us to take on different responsibilities. I also recommend that students look for relevant student jobs or internships to gain experience and figure out what they enjoy. In the future, you may end up working for that same company.
You enjoy traveling a lot. What are the main reasons?
For this job, I have to travel to conferences and really enjoy my stays at the clovio Studio in Lisbon. The best thing about my visit is the sun. It’s great to spend time on the sunny balcony or at the beach when it’s already cold in Belgium. I enjoy visiting all the must-sees and hidden gems of a city, which only gets better when savoring the delicious local food and drinks.
What are your favorite travel destinations?
Granada in Spain has a special place in my heart because I lived there for six months through Erasmus. It’s a beautiful city and has the famous Alhambra. A big plus is also the free tapas you get with every drink. I’ve also grown fond of Lisbon, since it has everything from national palaces, exquisite gardens, modern architecture, and sunny beaches to stunning viewpoints. Coming from Belgium, the north of France is perfect for a long weekend, especially Reims and Amiens. You can visit vineyards, cathedrals, and museums and enjoy tasty French cuisine. I haven’t traveled outside of Europe yet, so I’m excited to discover Las Vegas for the Affiliate Summit West.
What advice do you have for those who want to work in Partnership Account Management?
As the name says, a Partnership Account Manager builds and maintains relationships with partners. It’s important to consider the partner and make the campaigns successful for both sides. Communication skills are vital to negotiate with partners and sell the company’s products, while analytical skills are needed to evaluate the metrics of a campaign. Therefore, it’s an interesting role for a variety of profiles. You’ll find plenty of online and offline courses to expand your knowledge and develop these skills.
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