In celebration of Vibe's 5th Anniversary, our team is sharing each of their personal experiences at Vibe. Keep reading to hear Alyssa's journey.
--
Like many college students, I was unsure of my future. I was on track to graduate as a Marketing and Management major from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business in Fall 2022, but had no plans on my next steps and limited experience in marketing. In my last semester, I decided to attend the Shidler Career Fair in hopes of finding a job. That’s where I met Ayari and Erica from Vibe. After talking with them, I applied to Vibe’s internship position and by January 2023 I started working as an intern.
My journey from intern to Account Manager has been a great learning experience. 5 key takeaways I’ve learned since working at Vibe are:
- It's Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out. Coming in as an intern, I felt inexperienced and nervous, but I've learned that being eager to learn and willing to adapt is more valuable than knowing how to do everything from the get-go. Interning was a great experience and helped me gain a better understanding of what direction I wanted to go with my career.
- Company Culture Matters. Finding a company that aligns with you and a team you fit in with can make all the difference in your career growth and job satisfaction. A few initiatives at Vibe that I think reflect the company culture perfectly are our Social Committee, Sustainability Committee, and Adopt-A-Holiday. some text
- Social Committee - plans monthly team bonding activities, which has many benefits like boosting morale. One of my favorite outings so far was painting a plate at Clay Cafe!
- Sustainability Committee - focuses on implementing monthly initiatives that help us better ourselves and our community. For example, in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we have quarterly clothing swaps in the office to give clothes we no longer wear a new life.
- Adopt-A-Holiday - an initiative where each Triber chooses a fun holiday to celebrate. One of my favorite holidays we’ve celebrated was National Coloring Book Day. Jasmine bought coloring books for everyone and taught us about the benefits of coloring!
- Communication is Key. There are a lot of tasks you’ll work on that you may be unfamiliar with or challenges you’ll face. It is important to communicate with others when you need help or have questions. One of the biggest things I appreciate about Vibe is that everyone is so supportive and helpful. If I have questions or need help brainstorming, I can easily ask someone!
- The Transition from Student to Professional is a Journey. The shift from school life to professional life isn't always smooth, but with the right support system and mindset, it becomes an exciting journey. Learning about marketing in school is a lot different than actually working in marketing.
- Strive for Continuous Improvement. There are always opportunities to refine existing skills, acquire new ones, and expand your knowledge. Over the span of two years of working at Vibe, I’ve learned so much from being an intern, to Account Coordinator, and now as an Account Manager.
The Journey Continues
Looking back at my journey from uncertain college senior to Account Manager at Vibe, I'm grateful for taking that opportunity to attend the career fair. What started as a simple internship has evolved into a rewarding career path where I continue to grow both professionally and personally. To those who find themselves in the same position I was in – unsure of their next steps – remember that every great journey begins with a single step. Whether you're a soon-to-be graduate or someone looking to start their career in marketing, don't be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know which career fair, which conversation, or which opportunity might be the one that changes everything. At Vibe, I've found more than just a job; I've found a place where I can contribute, learn, and thrive. And this is just the beginning!
