CYBERSECURITY & DATA -This spotlight series features T. Howard Foundation (THF) alumnae working in Cybersecurity and/or Data and Analytics roles.
Andrea Gould (THF ’10)
Advanced Media Specialist, Measurement & Insights, Effectv
Please describe your role.
As Advanced Media Specialist at Effectv, I am responsible for bringing continuous learnings and insights to our sellers and sales development team regarding our advanced media solutions (streaming, addressability, attribution, etc.) From product launches and methodology to competitive insights and positioning. My team is the go-to resource for questions and deeper dives to help advance our clients revenue potential.
What do you enjoy most about your company?
Being a part of a company that is paving the way for success in the industry. Effectv/Comcast is at the forefront of audience focused, data-driven solutions that are setting the standards in an ever-evolving landscape.
In what way did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
I’ve spent most of my career focused on media research and audience data and analytics, which is what I’m most passionate about. I really enjoyed learning about the various ways audiences are measured and how data is utilized in the industry. I got my start from interning at CBS 3 Philly, where I had the opportunity to work in the sales, programming, and research departments. This helped me to hone- in -on my love of research and paved the way for where I am today.
How has your affiliation with the T. Howard Foundation influenced your career?
My affiliation with the T. Howard Foundation really opened my eyes to what’s possible for people that look like me in the industry and helped build my network base. From my mentor that I’m still close with to this day, to relationships with other interns, to even having the opportunity to serve as a mentor once I was established in my career. Everything has had a full circle moment; it was even more exciting to return to the Diversity Awards dinner a few years ago an industry professional.
What personal attributes have been essential to your career success?
My desire to help, from natural leadership to pro-active problem solving, that ability to be a trusted resource for people has been essential for me.
If you were entering this career today, how would you prepare to facilitate entry?
Tap into my network base to help establish relationships and meeting people. Take presentation classes/coaching sessions. Keep up with trade publications and always remain a student of the industry.
Are you an early bird or a night owl? How does this show up in your working habits?
With a 5 month old, I’m up and ready all hours of the day, whether I like it or not, LOL but in the context of this question, I would say I’m a night owl. If it’s something that requires more brain power, my preference is to wait later in the day where I can really focus and not have too many distractions.
Do you have any of the following at work? a mentor, mentee, sponsor, work BF or work spouse? If so, which one(s)? What are the advantages of having these relationships?
I have work best friends that I have the pleasure of coaching at times. I also have mentors and a work mom who was previously my boss. Having these types of relationships has made work more enjoyable for me. A negative work environment can be rough, and I’ve experienced that before but having good people in your corner makes all the difference. People that you can hang out with outside of work, celebrate milestones (birthdays, weddings, babies), be your authentic self without judgement, show up for you when you’re sick but also encourage you and push you to do your best on top of doing what you’re passionate about, how can you not get up every day and be happy to go to work. It’s a win-win situation.
How do you re-charge at work?
Listening to music or pre-pandemic when we were in the office going for a walk or WaWa run with coworkers. Now that we are still working from home, sneaking downstairs to spend a few minutes with my son on a stressful day helps me to re-charge.