A REFLECTION ON TRANSITIONING AS A CAREER PERSON

I can still clearly remember, three years ago as a fresh graduate, my predicament was to decide which company and industry I should embark on. They always tell you before graduation that your first job defines your outlook as you shift in being a career person. I was so obsessed to do well in this transition process and began overthinking the options that I have. From the four job offers that I got, I chose to go full time marketing and work in Brand Management. Honestly, it was not the highest package that was handed to me, but my gut tells me that it is where I will hone and master my craft. I joined a local company that does trading and marketing of consumer products in the Philippines; which belongs to the fast-moving consumer goods industry. This was the same industry where my internship supervisor started her career in marketing before transitioning into Retail. I recall how firm she was in suggesting that there is a lot to learn in this industry and it will really push yourself to think creatively.

It was May 2, 2017. A week after my graduation ceremony. I was dressed up in a clean white button-down shirt with a black tie. I booked a grab going to Manggahan, Pasig and alighted in front of a six-story blue building, looked up then whispered, “This is it!” My spirit was skyrocket high; it was my first day of work back then. I was full of enthusiasm and greeted everyone with a warm smile on my first day. Halfway through the day, my boss handed me my first ever task of analyzing sales trend for brand initiatives. Unfortunately, I didn’t do well with it and presented “unrealistic” activities to the team. The excitement I was feeling initially turned into massive doubts. “Can you work in this industry? Are you good enough? Are you creative?” where the thoughts that kept bugging me on my way home. I was so scared and I started thinking not to go back. But NO, I showed up the next day with a new bright smile, and high hopes ready to face a new challenge and do better.

I would be lying if I tell you that thoughts of quitting haven’t hit my mind on my next days, months, and years at work. It did. Many times. But that cycle of emotions, similar to my first day of work experience, built my character. I learned not to quit when bombarded with problems, instead step back a bit and retry over again until I get solutions I’ll be happy and proud about. Moreover, one great advice I held on from my marketing adviser during undergraduate was—to be able stay alive in this dog-eat-dog world, one has to have “Tibay ng dibdib and Kapal ng mukha” (in her exact words). I took this with me while observing humility in the places I go to. Who would’ve thought, that same person who failed and was full of doubts on his first day, is now the youngest ever Assistant Brand Manager of the company he works for . I am gritty and strong-willed to succeed in my chosen field.