Tara Burton

Background

Job Description

Within Microsoft Advertising, I am a senior member of our Program Management Office (PMO), leading the execution of highly visible cross organizational and company initiatives. Two programs I led last year was the integration Xandr into Microsoft and the second the onboarding of Netflix advertising. Responsibilities include designing, launching, and running multiple complex programs, communicating with stakeholders across the company, and defining and tracking success criteria for my programs. This role requires the ability to operate in a fast-moving and ambiguous environment - which I think are my super powers.

Company Description

At Microsoft we are dedicated to advancing human and organizational achievement.

Employment History

Microsoft - 2018 - present AppNexus - 2015-2018 Microsoft - 2008-2015 DrivePM/Atlas - 2008 Seattle University - New Student Mentor - 2006-2008 Costco Wholesale - 2004-2007

Education

Seattle Pacific University MBA, 2016 Seattle University BA, Marketing & Management, 2008

Mentoring Objectives & Scope

I have over 18 years of experience in digital advertising across display, search, video, programmatic, and native formats. My previous roles have included Operations, Sales, Account Management, Project Management, People Management, and Product Marketing. I've been in both client facing, quota based roles, and internal executive facing roles so I can share what my experiences have been within both disciplines across both large corporations and small start up environments. Students can expect to have fun while learning about the digital advertising industry, the types of careers that exist in this industry, and common paths either myself or my peers have gone through to get to where they are today. Example discussion topics: resume/cover letters, mock interviews, interview process (recruiter guest speakers), typical work environments, how to run a meeting, types of careers in marketing, MSFT campus/office tour, personal brand building, understanding your own personal values, learning about an MBA experience, social media best practices, and more!

When and where do you hold meetings with your students?

Mix of virtual and in person, near or on SU campus, or in Redmond where my office is located, at lunch hour (virtual) or evening timeframe (in person).