Andrea Klinkenberg-Meyer

Name

Andrea Klinkenberg-Meyer

Job Title

Account Director

Current Agency

Publicis Resolute

My qualifications

Honours degree in Nursing

My career path

2006 PA/secretary
2010 Midwife
2013 Fertility Consultant
2014 Clinic manager, midwife & vaccination nurse
2016 Joined Publicis Resolute as an Account Executive.

My first healthcare communications Agency role

I moved to the UK from South Africa, leaving nursing behind and wanting to try my hand at PR/comms. I had done a bit of writing for magazines in my role as a midwife and loved it. I stumbled upon healthcare comms by chance and it seemed like the perfect blend of what I enjoy – healthcare and writing. The rest is history.

My typical week

Every week is different to the last (and that’s partly what I love so much about it). Client calls and internal meetings drive our actions for the week and provide structure. Events like congresses or symposia mean we get to travel a fair bit as well. I work on really interesting projects, often in collaboration with our medical writers, advertising team or digital team to deliver great work. And I have to mention the regular team outings and office antics!

What advice would you give someone looking to join a healthcare comms Agency

Read as much as you can about the industry and the various agencies out there to make sure you find a role in an agency that suits you best. Passion and drive are essential – the job is great, exciting, constantly changing, but it takes hard work and dedication.

My proudest moment

I was part of a team that organised a huge rare disease initiative, ultimately leading to a global campaign for World Dengue Day. We all worked so hard to make a difference in the lives of people at risk of contracting the disease and it feels surreal to know I had a hand in that.

My greatest challenge or frustration

Being a Senior Account Manager means keeping a lot of plates spinning at once – it keeps you on your toes, and can be a bit stressful at times. Luckily, we have a great team and everyone gets stuck in to help in busy times.

What 3 skills do you think are most important in your role?

Organisation, tenacity, team player.

Where do you want to be in 5 years’ time?

I’d like to be in a Director role with a view to eventually heading up my own division in an agency.