In 2010, Brianne moved from Montana to Los Angeles to become a digital strategist at ad agency WDCW (Wong, Doody, Crandall, Wiener). Although she often jokes that her company name sounds like an SNL parody of a law firm, she’s lucky enough to work with a crew of talented individuals who never stop working to produce the best content and creative possible.

At WDCW, Brianne is in charge of social and earned media strategies. She places guest editorials on behalf of clients on websites you know and read often. She optimizes Web copy for search engines. She helps create and implement social media and community management strategies. And she also has the amazing job of promoting the agency she so fiercely believes in as the main internal contact for all agency-related pr.

Before moving to Los Angeles to work at the agency that allows her to play in WordPress all day, Brianne was the editor-in-chief of the Montanan, the award-winning alumni magazine of The University of Montana (circulation: 83,000). While at the university she also launched numerous new media initiatives on campus including the New Media Marketing Committee, first-ever YouTube-exclusive series with a university president and initiated UM’s YouTube presence (which later received YouTube EDU status).

In May 2010, Brianne launched IWantHerJob.com, our community here, which is dedicated to sharing the stories of successful women working in industries they love. The mission of the site is simple. Only 18 Fortune 500 companies are run by females. Brianne, along with our community of independent-thinking women (you!) and the IWHJ team, is out to change (and grow) that number through mentorship, empowerment and smart editorial.

Brianne’s writing has appeared in Seventeen, CosmoGIRL! and YM magazines, among others. Her two passions are fashion and NASCAR. Yes, an unlikely pairing, but Brianne can convince you they have similarities. Just don’t tell her a driver isn’t an athlete …

Brianne Burrowes
Occupation: Digital Strategist / WDCW + Founder / I Want Her Job
Websites: wdcw.com + iwantherjob.com
Twitter: @iwantherjob + @brianneburrowes
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Journalism / The University of Montana

How did you discover your current job?

I found the job I have now through a mentor of mine, and lots of networking!

What has been your path so far to get you where you are today?

When I was in sixth grade, I knew I wanted to write for magazines, so in middle school I created my own magazine, Limited, which I distributed to all the girls in seventh and eighth grade. Then, in high school I created the second magazine, UnLimited (because I wanted to show a girl’s potential was without limits – I’ve always been big on inspiring women). During that time I also contributed to many different teen magazines. When I was in college I had the opportunity to intern at my favorite magazine, Seventeen. After a summer working in the entertainment and features departments, I came back to UM to finish my degree. A few months later I graduated, and a few months after that I was offered a job as the editor-in-chief of the Montanan, the alumni magazine at The University of Montana. I was the university’s youngest-ever editor-in-chief, and I learned a lot about what it took to produce a magazine that went out to more than 83,000 people – quickly! I had amazing co-workers, a supportive advisory board and the most loyal readers I could hope for. I was obsessed with the magazine production process, but around year three of being in that position and achieving the goals I set forth for the publication, I started to become restless, and I wanted new goals to conquer. In my quest to make the Montanan more relevant to a younger generation, I became obsessed with social media and the immediacy of reader feedback. Suddenly, I could measure what our readers were reading, for how long, and what sent them to read each specific piece. In addition, I loved that dynamic content (like video) was becoming more integrated with the static world of print publications. I was consumed by this, and knew I just had to find a job that would teach me more about this next evolution of communication. In June I drove my car from Montana to California and began work at WDCW as a member of the digital strategy team. I’m now challenged and inspired in a way I’ve never felt before, and it’s exciting!

Was there any one situation that helped you along your way?

There were many situations that helped me in my career path. But more than a situation, there is one thing that I feel helped me more than anything else. I am not scared to walk up to anyone and introduce myself with a smile and a strong handshake. I firmly believe you can talk to anyone, if only you have fearlessness and something to say. That one aspect of my personality has helped me in everything from talking to vice presidents of companies, to interviewing people more successful than I could ever dream of becoming, to meeting my favorite NASCAR driver!

What is your typical day like? Does it ever change?

My day can turn in many directions! One day I will be working with a team to develop an influencer strategy for an entertainment brand, and the next day I will be developing social campaigns with the creative team for an automobile company. I love that I’m always learning something new in my job. In that aspect, I feel advertising on the agency side is very similar to being a journalist. You learn a lot about a wide range of topics. Then, at least four nights a week, I work on I Want Her Job in my evenings. It’s important to me that I keep growing and nurturing our community.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love doing work that matters and adds value to others. I’m a big believer in having a mission that a team works toward. I also believe in finding people better than you in different areas to be on your team. I’m lucky to have both where I work now. And hands down, the best part of my job is working with a group of people who I actually like! And the opportunities to pitch C-Level executives for new business on behalf of the agency is a rush as well!

What is the most challenging part?

The most challenging part is figuring out the formula to consistently succeed online. The digital space always is changing, and we want to offer the best services to our clients, so it’s important to stay on top of each trend and learn how to use it, how it can work for them, etc. This can be challenging simply because every week it seems there’s something new to learn!

What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?

It’s being away from my family. Fortunately, there is now a direct flight from Los Angeles to Montana!

What is one lesson you’ve learned in your job that sticks with you?

I have more than a few that I’ve learned since graduating. It’s all about who you know, so network as if your life depended on it. It does. No matter what, do work that is of worth and value to others and yourself. Buddha said this, and it’s true. If you don’t love what you do and feel fulfilled by it, your work will suffer. Also, always share credit. Be fearless. Be eager and enthusiastic to learn. Don’t stop challenging yourself and setting new goals. Finally, build bridges, and lots of them.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?

I still can’t believe that only 18 Fortune 500 companies are run by women. That is only 18 … out of 500! That needs to change. This is a challenge across all industries, and it’s one that I just know will change. I’m watching with enthusiasm and a careful eye.

Who are your role models?

It sounds cheesy, but my role models are the readers of this site — women just like you who don’t let anything stand in the way of making their dreams come true. This site wouldn’t be possible without all of you, and you’re the reason I spend as much of my free time as possible sharing your work.

Personally my role model is my mom, Laura. With each year that goes by, the more I am blown away by all that she does. She is a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a senior vice president, a Mary Kay saleswoman and a member of various boards. She has managed to keep our entire family close-knit while growing her career. She was the first female senior vice president at the bank she works for. That inspires me. Oh, and she also always has time (and remembers) to send cards for everything. I’d like to think I take after her in that way. I really do wish I could be just like her, and every day I strive to make her and my dad proud.

Is there a quote or mantra that you live by?

Plant seeds – and lots of them. For more on that, read “How Planting A Seed Can Change Your Life.”

What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?

Don’t let your current industry – or your degree – pigeonhole you. I am living proof that your career can change and grow with you. And, never stop networking. Even if someone isn’t in your industry, it doesn’t mean you can’t ever work together. Careers are about relationships — above everything.