The TV drama Mad Men serialized the exploits of Don Draper and his coworkers as they built an entirely new industry — the modern advertising agency. Along the way, they drank heavily, slept around and were mostly, to put it nicely, a bunch of racist, misogynistic characters of a bygone era.
Today, a new and more enlightened generation of advertisers are turning that Don Draper-era empire upside down and into a new, data-driven digital art form — and they're doing it right here in New York (albeit 30 or so blocks down from the big advertising agencies on Madison Avenue).
If you have ever fancied yourself an advertising genius, here are five jobs at today's version of Sterling Cooper Draper and Pryce. Just remember, the rye is optional and please, whatever you do, don’t sleep with your coworkers.
Corporate Accountant at Zeta Interactive
What they do: Zeta Interactive operates a big data adtech platform that offers brands the opportunity to acquire new customers while retaining the ones they already have. The company raised $125 million last July, and is expecting to reach $300 million in revenue this year.
Who you’d be: Without a doubt, this is a job for Lane Pryce, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce’s financial officer. Pryce ended up being a pretty cool guy too, up until he was caught embezzling from the firm.
Who they’re looking for: They’re looking for an experienced corporate accountant that will ensure the integrity of the company’s accounting information. You should have at least five years of experience and a degree in accounting or finance.
What they do: Outbrain is a content recommendation platform that puts solid, engaging content in front of the readers most likely to enjoy it.
Who you’d be: You’d be Joan Harris, the company's office manager. Throughout the show, Joan was probably the most all-around reliable character, always able to handle anything that happened. She was the company's rock in troubled water. You do not, under any circumstances, mess with Joan.
Who they’re looking for: Someone with four years of experience within a human resources team that can work independently.
Product Manager, Connected ID at MediaMath
What they do: MediaMath operates TerminalOne, which allows marketers to manage all their digital needs in one place. ConnectedID is the technology they built for cross-device and cross-environment marketing, analytics and attribution.
Who you’d be: You’d be a mixture of Don Draper and Pete Campbell. You’ll be working with several different departments to create, refine and execute a product roadmap, which is all Don. But, you’ll also be meeting with clients and constituents for feedback sessions, which sounds like something you’d prefer to have Pete do.
Who they’re looking for: Someone with at least two years of technical product management experience, especially if it was in digital advertising, media or audience platforms. You should also have a degree in computer science.
Advertising Sales Intern at Mediaocean
What they do: Mediaocean is a huge adtech company, with a diverse array of clients. In a nutshell, they provide software platforms to advertisers that allow them to manage their workflow.
Who you’d be: There’s no doubt that you’d be Peggy Olson. Work hard, show your talent and the sky is the limit. Sure, Peggy had it rough at first, but after a couple of years she was in charge of the entire operation's copy department.
Who they’re looking for: A recent grad or someone pursuing a degree program with an interest in sales who has amazing communication skills.
Vice President of Marketing at Justworks
What they do: Justworks isn’t a marketing agency, they’re more of a digital HR logistics firm. All the same, their looking to hire an in-house marketing genius.
Who you’d be: This position has Don Draper written all over it. You’re the creative head honcho in charge of getting Justworks into the spotlight. You’ll lead a growing marketing team while combining a mind for strategy with analytical prowess.
Who they’re looking for: Someone with a degree (preferably an MBA), a lot of varied experience and at least 10 years experience in a senior marketing role. It’s not easy being the Don.
All photos via the Mad Men Facebook account
