What if your dream job was just one conversation away?
In the world of media buying and performance marketing, it turns out that who you know—and how you engage—can be just as important as what you know. That was the biggest lightbulb moment I had listening to Michael Hatswell, a George Brown alumnus and Assistant Media Buyer/Planner at Essence Mediacom.
During a recent guest lecture, Michael shared his journey from student life to the fast-paced world of working with big-name clients like Universal Pictures. As someone who once sat exactly where we are now, his story was both relatable and inspiring. It wasn’t just about job titles or companies—it was about curiosity, passion, and the hustle it takes to get noticed and stay growing.
1. Career Path & Passion Alignment
Michael kicked off by sharing his early experiences at Adidas Canada, where he helped with in-store marketing materials and activations. That internship gave him hands-on exposure, but more importantly, it helped him realize what kind of work lights him up. Fast forward to today, and he’s doing media planning for entertainment clients—a perfect fit for someone passionate about film, sports, and potentially gaming.
His story made me pause and ask: Am I aligning my career with what genuinely excites me?
2. Networking = Your Secret Weapon
The standout lesson? Network with intention. Michael emphasized two actionable strategies:
- Connect with peers and professors
- Schedule one-on-one chats to explore career paths
He’s still applying these strategies internally to grow at Essence Mediacom. That stuck with me—not just because it’s practical, but because it works.
I reflected on my own experience organizing a group project. Taking initiative helped me earn trust and build relationships with classmates and faculty—connections that later supported me with recommendations and feedback. Michael’s advice validated that these small, consistent efforts matter.
3. Discovering the World of Performance Marketing
Michael also opened my eyes to the diversity within marketing roles. Performance marketing, in particular, caught my attention. The idea of blending creativity with data to help major clients like Universal Pictures make strategic decisions? That’s the kind of challenge I’d love to tackle.
Even more exciting is the possibility of applying those skills to industries I care about—entertainment, tech, or gaming. Michael’s openness to evolving interests reassured me that career paths aren’t linear—they’re layered, exploratory, and flexible.
Michael Hatswell’s journey is proof that success in marketing isn’t just about landing the perfect role—it’s about staying curious, building relationships, and aligning your work with your passions. His lecture reminded me that we’re not just students collecting assignments—we’re marketers in the making, crafting our paths one conversation, one opportunity, and one bold step at a time.
I left the session feeling motivated and grounded, ready to apply his strategies—starting with a few emails and some meaningful one-on-ones. Because who knows? My future career-defining moment could be just around the corner.