Let content creator and commercial executive Sophia Padre give you a look inside what life is like as a marketing girlie.
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The corporate world is deemed by many as a natural path for your first job, but it’s also a stereotyped field that some assume to be boring, stress-inducing, and lacking in creativity. So, is that how it actually works? Not necessarily. At least, that’s according to 28-year-old content creator, Sophia Padre. Sophia, who has experience in marketing under different multinational brands, knows a thing or two about being in corporate, and she says there’s much more to the profession than just work desks and long office hours. See what Sophia has to say about navigating the corporate setting, green flags to look out for in a job, and more below.
How did you come to see that marketing was a career you wanted to pursue?
I think out of all the options that I had way back in college, I loved marketing because I think it’s very innovative, creative, and beyond the box, and I think it’s also the best part of business, where you could be able to give value. For me, giving value to consumers is something that I really look forward to.
How did you land your current job? Where did you look or what sites did you visit for you to get to where you are now?
I think the number one key is the career job fairs that we had way back in college. Number two was LinkedIn. Number three was friends also, of the people and connections around.
What is it like to navigate the big corporate settings with your job?
It’s very demanding. It’s not easy to work in multinational companies, but I guess it’s where fulfillment comes from, because with big obligations also comes big impact. It’s demanding, but I think you should be able to get through it in terms of time management. I’m still trying to manage my time, but I’m learning which is the most important thing.
Work-life balance is a big factor for Gen Z in terms of what they’re looking for in a job. How do you practice work-life balance in your occupation?
I guess I’m very lucky because my job doesn’t feel like work. It’s important that you’re able to set boundaries between work and life. But sometimes, I know realistically, even if you say that you want to set boundaries, it’s a bit challenging, but I guess just love what you’re doing. Enjoy the moment. Try to find the silver lining of things. Have time for yourself, no matter how many hours, because it’s personal preference naman on how much time you want to give for work and life. But at the end of the day, as long as you’re able to make yourself happy and you’re happy with where you are, I think that’s more than enough.
What can you say having a corporate job is actually like as compared to the stereotypes often associated with an office job?
I guess it will depend on the profession because some will have fieldwork, and some will be in the office. It’s really about learning and experience. Your job itself, no matter what function you are in, doesn’t stop you from going out if you want to. I think it’s also good to be able to ask for that opportunity because you’d be able to learn a lot outside of your cubicle as well.
What tips or advice would you give Gen Z on what they can expect from this kind of profession?
Number one, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. What we usually do is have one resume and send it to everybody. So tailor fit as much as possible to the job and experience that you’re trying to apply. Number two, go for it because you’re only gonna be graduating college once. You’re not gonna be having that experience again, and it’s a blessing for you to be able to explore. So take the chance.
What green flags should fresh graduates look out for when they apply for jobs?
Number one is culture. A green flag is [a job] that has a work-life balance, benefits, respects your time, and has good love for employees as well. Number two is experience, like, if a company could give you as much experience, whether it be a multinational, an SME, or anything, and it’s something that you want to try for your life. Number three is career growth. It’s also important that the company, not just yourself, has plans for you to grow. It’s a green flag if a company itself gives you opportunities to be where you want to be.
Photography Kim Santos of KLIQ Inc.
Creative and Fashion Direction Andre Chang
Art Direction Gelo Quijencio
Styling Andre Chang
Fashion Assistant Kurt Abonal
Shoot Coordination Jasmin Dasigan
This story was first published on the First Job MyZine print pack. Order your copy now here.
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