Who is Shakira Springer?
I am Shakira, 28 years old, who has a passion for marketing especially digital marketing. I love creating, designing and growing brands. I started by doing my bachelor's degree in Psychology and then moved into Marketing because I love it!
What does a typical day for you entail?
I go to work where I manage websites, social media and so much more for different companies and then go to classes (UWI) on evenings.
Is Digital Marketing a career you always wanted to pursue? Digital Marketing was not a career I always wanted to pursue. Truth be told I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do. After I left University of the West Indies Cavehill in 2013, I was lost as to which direction I wanted to go in career wise. Although I had completed 4 years in studying psychology I didn't want to be a Counsellor or Psychologist. Albeit I was capable of doing it but it wasn't something I was enthusiastic or saw myself doing long term. I decided to apply to different jobs to see what I liked from what i didn't. In December 2014 I was a Receptionist/ Office Assistant at a very famous local medical clinic and I had to manage their social media and create content amongst other tasks. I realized that I absolutely loved that. I could reply to patients/clients engage with them online and still be creative with my content. I decided that I would love to have a career in this. I decided to help a friend whose step mom owns a small cafe and I managed her social media for free just to get the experience. While I was still at the clinic I decided there weren't any courses at the time (that I knew of). So I went to BIMAP and did marketing and realized how much I truly love it. I left the clinic and was given the opportunity to manage social media accounts, which was followed by getting an internship. I left there to further my studies in digital marketing and now I am completing my Masters degree in Marketing at UWI. I still want to think bigger and long term.
What was your first job?
The first job I had was training as a compliance officer. I hated it!
In an ever changing digital environment, how do you stay current? You always have to keep up to date by watching/reading the news, listening to online seminars and trying to keep abreast of what is happening online, especially learning from your followers/ advocates. Your analytics tell you a lot about your following. Engaging and social listening is important. Research is absolutely important. Research Research Research! I cannot stress that enough.
What would you consider to be the most exciting part of this profession?
I love being creative and coming up with strategic campaigns as well as working with my graphics designers. I have an awesome team to work with so it comes easier. As well as seeing my hard work come to fruition.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing a career in Marketing?
Look for free or affordable online courses to educate yourself and build your portfolio. Youtube is always a great help. Try to apply to places or even if you have your own business or know someone who you can apply what you learn for free, or using a bartering system for the experience.
