For every Instagram reel you see, informative Twitter thread you read or webinar you see us host, there is an entire group of people working to make these brand activities happen. Today, we shine the spotlight on Oyindamola, one of the core parts of our brand engine at Kippa. She shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from an intern to a brand marketer at Kippa.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your experience as an intern at Kippa?
A: I started working at Kippa as an intern last year in March while my school was on strike. I needed something to keep me busy so I applied for a social media internship position at the company. I went through about 3 different interviews before I got the job. My role then was to grow and manage a Facebook community for business owners. As an intern, I gained valuable experience working in the fintech industry and contributed to various marketing projects.
Q: What was the biggest takeaway from your internship?
A: I learnt the importance of collaboration and communication which was very important to the success of my role as an intern. I also learnt the importance of adaptability and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Q: Can you walk us through the process of transitioning from an intern to a full-time role at Kippa?
A: Before I was promoted to “Brand Marketing Associate”, my role as an intern had evolved. I had taken on more responsibilities and ownership of tasks. I was now managing more social media channels, a community, and public relations for the company. I was also working closely and assisting the product marketing team with product launches and so on. I had also expressed my interest in continuing to work for the company in a more senior capacity with my previous managers. I had conversations with them to discuss my performance and goals. It took a while for the transition to take place but I was very excited when it did.
Q: As a brand marketer, what are some of the biggest challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?
A: As a brand marketer, one of the biggest challenges I face is staying on top of industry trends. To overcome this, I have to regularly monitor the media for the latest happenings. Another challenge is creating a consistent brand message across all channels and touchpoints. To address this, I work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our messaging is cohesive and aligns with our overall brand strategy.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are considering applying for an internship at Kippa or another similar organization?
A: My advice would be to be proactive, take initiative, and be open to learning. Tech is a rapidly growing industry, and there are always new opportunities to explore. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, and be open to feedback and constructive criticism. Also, make sure to network and build relationships with your colleagues, as they can be valuable mentors and advocates for your career.
Q: What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see yourself achieving them?
A: I have many interests and I wish to explore them. I have never envisioned myself as a 9-5er. I have a background in media and I still wish to pursue a career along that line. I would be exploring more opportunities in marketing like growth and product marketing. I see myself working at the intersection of media, technology, and film, whether behind the scenes or onscreen. I don’t know how realistic this is but we will see. I am rather optimistic about what my career will look like in the next couple of years.
Q: What advice do you have for others who are interested in pursuing a career in brand marketing?
A: My advice would be to stay curious, be creative, and stay up-to-date with the latest brand marketing trends and strategies.
Q: Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests, and how do you like to spend your free time?
A: Well, I am interested in acting and hopefully you will see me on your TV screen one day. Other than that, In my free time, I like to scroll through social media, listen to music, binge-watch a series on Netflix, and learn French.
Q: Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have had a big impact on your personal or professional development?
A: For my professional development, I listen to several marketing podcasts like The Girls in Marketing Podacst, Content Rookie, Social media marketing talk show and Product Marketing Life. There are a lot. I am also subscribed to numerous marketing newsletters. I haven’t read any book in a while. Also, being part of communities has really helped my career. I have access to information, opportunities, and people that have really impacted me.
