Embracing your inner rebel with Katrina Merican

After completing a Bachelor of Business at RMIT in 2010 she found herself struggling to find a position that piqued her interest, so when the opportunity arose to interview with the globally-renowned Mushroom Group she jumped at it.

Speaking about it now Katrina believes it was her previous experience on stage that ended up scoring her the job. “Being in the finance industry, being in the entertainment industry, you can’t be fazed by lights, showbiz, and the industry in general,” explains Katrina.

I used to perform when I was younger [as a ballerina in Malaysia and Germany] so what I said to them was ‘it’s not going to faze me because I don’t want to be on the stage anymore … but I know what it’s like.’

Since its inception in 1973 as Mushroom Records and Mushroom Music Publishing, Mushroom has expanded to encompass nearly two dozen specialist brands, including international and domestic touring, booking agencies, record labels, merchandising, music publishing, creative and marketing services, venues, exhibition and events production, and film and television production. Working within the finance department for seven years, Katrina has seen, and been a part of, that incredible growth.

We took a tour around the Mushroom Group’s offices and asked Katrina some questions. Read her answers below.

What do you love most about what you do?

Building a career within an industry I'm passionate about.

What has been your proudest career moment?

Driving the implementation and migration process of a new accounting package for the group. Personally, it was a sense of achievement and within the company, it was recognition.

Was there a catalyst that has led you to where you are today?

Yes. It was my father who encouraged me to pursue a career in accountancy.

What has contributed to your success as a creative person in a traditionally non-creative role?

I wouldn't say I'm extremely creative, but the little creativity I have has historically driven my 'thinking outside the square' thought process.

What has been the most unexpected realisation of working in the entertainment industry?

Diversity of the industry and the number of elements required to bring a finished product to the consumer.

What 3 tips would you give to anyone wanting to work in the entertainment industry?

1. Be prepared to pitch in wherever you can, even if it is out of your job scope.
2. If unsure, seek guidance. The more you ask, the more you'll learn.
3. Look forward to working with different personalities as no two are ever the same. Especially in the entertainment industry.