24 Jan Meet Jane Nguyen, Account Manager
How did you get into account management?
Ever since graduating from Georgia State University in sociology and marketing, I’ve wanted to work at an agency, whether that be on the creative team or with clients. Throughout college and even up to my previous job as co-owner and marketing manager of a local bicycle shop, I’ve found myself thriving in a service-related role. I just love to help make another person’s day go by a little easier. My mind likes to creatively wander too, so I think VR ends up being a great platform to explore new possibilities. I met Annie, our CEO, on several occasions before she reached out to me for an account manager role. I’m now perfectly in sync with a company I want to work for in a role that integrates both creative and service-oriented responsibilities.
What sparked your interest in VR/AR?
As a marketing professional, I’m interested in the potential of marketing on the platform and using it for good in the social, storytelling and educational space. I agree with the notion that happiness is not spending money on things but on experiences. VR is currently the best way to experience something without being physically there, an experience that ends up feeling so real that your brain is tricked into thinking it really happened and stores it as a vivid and valid memory. What other marketing practice has that kind of natural effect and heavy impact on people? Thus, it is my mission to keep the use of VR for good and an effective platform of marketing, because, if you’re a Black Mirror fan, it could easily get ugly quick. As a new form of media, it’s imperative that we, as experts, follow best practices as the world explores innovative and creative uses for VR and AR.
What is your favorite VR experience?
I’ve recently experienced Google Earth for the first time and enjoyed the feeling of flying over cityscapes and viewing an uncommon vantage point of natural wonders in places I’ve not yet been before. I love to travel and this is the easiest and cheapest way to do that, and if I could wish for a superpower, it would be to fly!
You’re on the XR Atlanta Leadership Board. Can you give us an inside scoop on what we can expect to see in the upcoming months?
I have a lot to owe to the wonderful and talented people in this group, as they all propelled my interest in VR/AR ever since joining the leadership team. It is through this group that I met Annie and joined the Futurus team! I am really excited for what we have planned this year to introduce XR (aka extended reality, which includes VR, AR, MR, 360 video and other related emerging technologies) to Atlanta, and offer a social and collaborative outlet for those already in the space who want to expand their circle, showcase their work, gain insight from experts, volunteer and learn. I’m especially excited for the VR/AR Art Show and Developer Showcase in the late part of the year, and the screening of Ready Player One in March. Other events include integrating XR with relevant topics such as blockchain, music and film, medicine, and ethics.
I helped organize our next event on Jan. 30th. We’ve invited an impressive panel of local Atlanta experts to speak on augmented reality at the new Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State University. All the info on XR Atlanta is at www.meetup.com/XRAtlanta
What are some of your favorite spots in Atlanta?
I love being outdoors, and even amongst the crowds so I love relaxing in Piedmont Park and getting there via the Beltline. They are some of the best places to people-watch too. The comedy scene in Atlanta is underrated, so if anyone asks me to hang out, boom, we’re at a comedy show. Laughter as medicine is no joke. Get it? No? Okay, I didn’t say I was a comedian. Find me at the 1am Secret Show, WonderComedy, Star Bar and for the bigger headliners, Laughing Skull. I’m also a foodie and love new food adventures, but the meal that’s closest to my heart is DIY Vietnamese spring rolls at Nam Phuong, besides my mom’s house of course.
You’re an avid bicyclist – tell us about your favorite places to ride.
I started riding mountain bikes and still do occasionally. My favorite local place to do that is Olde Rope Mill Park in Woodstock. Lately, you’ll find me cruising all over on Atlanta streets and paths like the Beltline and in Piedmont Park. You won’t ever find me racing, although I ride with those who do, so having fast friends to chase both motivates and wears me out. While I prefer riding with a group, I’m excited to live close enough to the office to commute by bike now, but only on nice days because I’m a bit spoiled too. On the other days, I’ve got my custom painted yellow “Zuma Thurman”.
Tell us about Snackpack!
She’s my perma-puppy! Even though she’s 9 years old, she’s got the face of a chihuahua/rat terrier puppy. My husband found her as a stray and she couldn’t have been lost for long because she’s pretty trusting and definitely spoiled now, thanks to me. I don’t see her surviving on her own, though I absolutely believe she could if she wanted to because she’s a strong, empowered [female dog] after all. Here she is smacking her lips to her favorite food, peanut butter!
Instagram handle:@janenguyen11
