Matic Teams

Strategic Storyteller: Erin’s Journey from Journalism to Marketing
August 9, 2024

Erin has worked with leading brands such as Boeing, Visa, Trimble, and GXO, creating strategic, insights-driven content that elevates brand perception and drives engagement.

Erin Engstrom shares her journey from journalism to content marketing, highlights memorable projects, and discusses staying current in a rapidly evolving field. She emphasizes work-life balance, continuous learning, and the importance of strategic content creation.

Experience & Expertise

What are some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on in your career?

One of my most memorable projects was a campaign for Boeing called “Hop to Oshkosh,” which focused on recreational pilots documenting their experiences traveling to and attending an annual event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Another notable project was a B2B campaign launched post-COVID that aimed to shift Boeing’s perception by focusing on the passenger experience rather than the airlines, moving them into the lifestyle realm to address reputational challenges.

"One of my most memorable projects was a campaign for Boeing called 'Hop to Kosh,' where we captured the exhilarating experiences of recreational pilots attending an annual event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.”

How do you keep your skills up-to-date in such a rapidly evolving field?

I keep my skills up-to-date by surrounding myself with colleagues who are eager to embrace new technologies and adopt a growth mindset. I stay current by experimenting with new tools, such as Chrome AI, which helps me visualize ideas despite not being a designer. I emphasize the importance of using AI as a starting point, requiring refinement by real people to make it market-ready.

"I stay current by experimenting with new tools, like PhromeAI, which helps me visualize ideas even though I'm not a designer. It's crucial to use AI as a starting point and refine it with real human input to make it market-ready.”
Inspiration & Motivation

What drives your passion for content marketing?

My passion for content marketing is driven by my background in journalism and the ability to apply those skills in a field with more financial stability and career growth potential. I enjoy the strategic aspects of content marketing and the opportunity to work across various industries.

How do you stay motivated when facing difficult challenges or tight deadlines?

I stay motivated by demonstrating to clients the tangible gaps in projects when I lack access to necessary resources. I believe in showing rather than telling to provide proof of why I need certain inputs. I also find motivation in working out, as it helps me maintain a healthy mindset and balance my personal and professional life.

Personal Insights

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

One challenge I faced was dealing with gatekeepers who restricted access to subject matter experts (SMEs). I overcame this by taking my work as far as possible without the SME input and then demonstrating the gaps to the client, showing the necessity of accessing SME expertise to complete the project effectively.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?

I advise new content strategists to start in content creation but to learn the strategic aspects early on by working with strategists in other marketing areas. It's important to gain interdisciplinary knowledge and understand the complexity of content strategy, including production, distribution, and repurposing of content.

Work-Life Balance

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? How do you manage to balance your work with personal life?

Outside of work, I enjoy working out, particularly lifting weights, and I've developed a community at my gym. Music is another significant part of my life, and I enjoy attending concerts, especially with my daughter. I emphasize the importance of establishing boundaries and setting expectations early in my career to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

"I emphasize the importance of establishing boundaries and setting expectations early in my career to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Outside of work, I find joy in lifting weights and attending concerts with my daughter.”
Background & Career Path

Can you tell us about your journey from your first job to where you are now in your career?

I started my career in journalism, driven by my childhood aspiration to be a journalist. However, due to the financial instability in the journalism industry and significant shifts and consolidation, I transitioned into content marketing. My first job in this field was in digital communications for higher education. I then moved into tech and the agency world, which provided me with a wide range of experiences and knowledge across different industries.

What made you choose your specific field?

I chose content marketing because it allowed me to apply my journalism skills to a field with better career prospects. The transition was driven by my desire for financial stability and the ability to leverage my expertise in a more sustainable industry.

Work with Erin

Erin is based in Denver, Colorado, and is currently open to dedicated, fractional, and full-time opportunities. If you'd like to inquire about Erin joining your team, please Get In Touch.

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