Kit Yee (Kittie) Kan always knew she wanted a career that offered broad opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact.
Her journey from Hong Kong to Australia, where she studied at UTS College and then a Bachelor of Communication (Strategic Communication), paved the way for her to lead marketing efforts for some of the world’s most familiar brands, including Disney, Faber-Castell, Mattel, and now, Pearson.
Kids’ toys are a serious business
Kittie’s determination to succeed in the communications field was evident from the start. Upon moving to Australia after high school, she immersed herself in her studies and took advantage of internship opportunities, networking and collaborative projects. This proactive approach helped her discover how she could make an impact in the industry.
“A good start can lead to a promising future. Take some time and decide what kind of person you would like to be, what interests you most, and then go for it without hesitation. Be confident. Open-minded. Explore.”
Kittie’s career in marketing began to flourish, culminating in her role as marketing manager for Kids Kingdom, the sole distributor of Mattel in Hong Kong and Macau. She managed major brands such as Hot Wheels, Barbie, Thomas & Friends and Fisher-Price in a challenging and dynamic industry.
A good start can lead to a promising future. Take some time and decide what kind of person you would like to be, what interests you most, and then go for it without hesitation.
In 2019, Kittie transitioned from her role as senior brand manager at Mattel to marketing manager at Kids Kingdom.
Kittie’s work required her to stay connected and responsive, even on weekends, as she handled ad hoc requests and prepared for busy Monday mornings. Her dedication and adaptability have been crucial to her success in this challenging field, leading to her current position as marketing manager at Pearson.
Lifelong learning and networking
Kittie’s time at UTS was instrumental in shaping her career. The university’s comprehensive communication program, combined with its focus on soft skills such as creativity and networking, provided her with the tools she needed to excel. One memorable experience was writing a letter to her future self, which helped her reflect on her goals and achievements.
Kittie maintains connections with friends from UTS and values the support and opportunities provided by the university, especially for international students.
“Don’t be shy about seeking advice or help from peers. UTS also has a lot of support for international students to fit in upon arrival.”
Kittie Kan’s journey from determined student to global marketing leader serves as an inspiration to others. Her dedication, adaptability and willingness to explore new opportunities have enabled her to make a significant impact in communications and marketing.
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