This is what I do: Jane West, News International Commercial

What does your job involve?
The beauty of my job (excuse the pun) is that I spend 95% of it seeking early knowledge from senior marketers and key companies within the category. It is crucial to get to the bottom of their brand objectives and challenges so I can meet their needs with the best solution across the News International titles.

What's it like working for News International?
I started my career at NI in 1991. Since then I have been in and out of the company three times, developing the necessary external experience to allow me to do this, my dream job.

What qualifications and experience do you need?
The ability to listen and question, and an understanding of how to match client needs with the relevant News International brands. A high level of confidentiality is also expected - I am exposed to high-level product launches months before they reach the public.

How do you spend a typical day?
One of my favourite types of day involves attending a product launch before heading off to an editorial lunch to discuss potential commercial and editorial opportunities within our titles. This fits in between visits back to the office and constant
e-mail and phone communication with business partners.

Best thing about your job?
Being exposed to trends and products months before anyone else. I am very popular in the office around Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and birthdays.

And the worst?  
Prioritising - assessing the urgent versus the important is a constant challenge.

What keeps you awake at night?
Worrying about whether I will get a skin breakout before a launch. If this is the case, my job title can become an oxymoron.

Who helped you get where you are today?
My first break came from Jeremy Reed at the Today newspaper in 1991. I did my final-year thesis on Today,
so I had a head start on the other candidates.

Who do you aspire to be like?
I always think you should set your own agenda.