How did she get here?
Do you wish you’d known what you know now back when you were just starting your career?
I do.
If you are like me, then the career talks series is for you.
In this first interview, content marketing manager Andreea Tugulan shares the most important lessons she learnt over the course of her career, and gives us a few tips on how she would do things if she were just starting out.
Enjoy!
Click the button below to view the full video interview, or scroll down to read the written Q&A.
Nico: How did you get your first job?
Andreea: As a student, I used to work with my university on recruitment activities. Back then I was networking a lot and enhancing my visibility over the projects I was running. I absolutely loved working on these activities, so before graduating I decided to send in an open application to my university. Luckily, during that time they were looking for a fresh graduate to take over similar activities. Thanks to the work I already did throughout the years within the university, I could build a portfolio around those activities - people knew who I was and they knew the quality of my work. After a few intense interviews, I got my first job.
Nico: How did you get your first promotion?
Andreea: Once I started my job, it became more difficult to increase my visibility over the outstanding projects as I did not know what was most relevant to share with my company and network. Eventually, I started writing down all of the huge accomplishments (through the STAR method) and I was sharing them whenever I had the opportunity. Since my job was new, it meant that most of the tasks I was undergoing had to be proposed by me. There was a lot of trial and error involved. The silver lining is that I showed my passion and ambition to take our recruitment activities to the next level. I was already working with many direct reports and our department goals were reached by my team. Eventually, the opportunity of taking over a manager role arose. It was just a natural sequence of events as I was in the same position for 2 years.
Nico: What is the most important lesson you learnt in your career so far?
Andreea: Network and take all the learning opportunities that come your way! Throughout my career, I noticed that networking with people brought me more confidence (by being able to relate to others), brough me new opportunities (my current job, being invited to various conferences, working on side projects that helped me grow both professionally and personally).
Nico: What is the hardest career lesson you had to learn so far? What do you see now that you didn’t see while you were in it?
Andreea: Especially at the beginning, it is important to try out different projects, but eventually you need to also learn how to say ‘no’ to activities that might not fulfil you in any way. It can be hard, but being able to choose and prioritize specific projects will bring you much more happiness than doing it all. For a long time I tried it all, believing that the more you do, the better. However, it only brought severe stress. I am just coming out of this lesson, still struggling with it at times, but saying ‘no’ to what does not serve you personally or professionally will bring much more than you could imagine (confidence, becoming an expert in areas of your interest, etc.).
Nico: What is one career advice you would give your younger self?
Andreea: Career is important, but wellness if just as important. Find the ideal work/life balance. You are not in a competition - do not rush; you are on a journey - enjoy it!
PS. What is career talks?
Ever wondered how people got to where they are today in their career? Where did they start and what were they thinking back then? In this series, professionals from all walks of life look back at their start and share some lessons they wish they’d known back then.