Edith Kovacs is a 26 year old still searching for an official title of sorts. She was raised in Cambridge, Ontario and schooled at University of Waterloo (Biochemistry) and at University of Queensland (Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education). She’s worked most aspects of the hospitality industry and loves that every day is completely different. While Edith is still searching for a classroom to call her own, she’s doing some pretty awesome things in the meantime. She loves baseball, travelling, science, education, craft beer, social media, and people.

What do you do?

So many things!…

I’m an events manager, social media guru, and marketing gal at Imbibe Food ‘n Drink. Oh, almost forgot bartender. I also recently collaborated with Bill MacTavish, Ryan Ward and Alex Szaflarska to help put together Craftoberfest.

I’m a certified teacher. Since jobs are hard to come by in this region, I fill that void by tutoring. I usually have 10 students on the go by the end of a semester.

I’m an Avon lady. It started as a hobby to fill time during a lack of employment, and now my customers provide me with some financial freedom to splurge on myself.

How do you stay up to date with trends in your industry/field?

I read my Twitter feed with a cup of coffee in the morning. It gives me a good glimpse of what’s happening with breweries, local and world events. I can then do more research if I need to.

Workshops and conferences are the best way to get information from experts in a specific field. I always feel inspired and way more informed and the extra training pays off instantly.

In all aspects of what I do, having conversations with people is great way to get first-hand info about events, new products, interests, concerns, etc.

Best way to stay on top of email?

I’ll read emails on my phone, but unless it requires a quick or immediate response, I’ll hold off until I can sit down for 30 minutes at my laptop and clear my inbox.

Top five applications or programs?

My Blackberry Z10 is a general lifesaver – it’s a great organizer of my different email addresses and social media accounts.

For posting online content: MyLocal

For connecting on social media: Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

For word and image processing: Microsoft Office / Photoshop

For my mental well-being: Spotify

I also use various iPad apps for tutoring, but haven’t found any truly standout ones (that are also free!).

What is your best time-saving trick?

Using a day planner and writing a to-do list for the next day: I can dive right in, knowing what I need to accomplish, and by when. It also stops me from double-booking my time.

I don’t use any schedules/alerts on my phone – I’m way too visual and need to see the “big picture”.

One non-tech thing you can't live without?

Coffee! I’m essentially a zombie until I finish a cup or 3, depending on the day.

Structure of your typical day, how do you divide your time?

While each day might be slightly different, I try to have a consistent routine every week.

Morning: Coffee, read Twitter and Facebook, read and reply to emails.

Afternoon: Lunch, create online content, post, reply to new emails. Seek resources for specific students/subjects for tutoring.

Evening: Head to tutoring, then head to work, or back home for dinner. Work on any other projects.

What is the greatest piece of career advice/wisdom you've ever received?

My parents are my greatest role models; they emigrated and built a life in Canada with very little. They always showed me that hard work and perseverance pays off. I blame them for my inability to sit still but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Advice that I’d give: Put your stamp on it. I’m in the people industry, so making connections is what makes you memorable. Oh, and never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Who would you like to see featured on Ways We Work?

Erica Campbell, co-founder of Society of Beer Drinking Ladies (@ladiesdrinkbeer), and sales/marketing/etc of Black Oak Brewing.

Taylor Jackson, photographer and filmmaker of awesome things in KW and the world in general.