‘I work hard every day!’
SHERIANNE Thompson Hart is group marketing manager at FirstRock Group. Here she talks about the merits of working hard for achieving success.
AW: What was your first job?
STH: My first job after graduating university was as a sales administrative assistant in a fast-moving consumer goods company. While my area of interest was really in marketing, I took this job as a stepping stone to learn the business and get a foot into the company.
AW: What would you say is your best career achievement to date?
STH: While there have been many career achievements that I am very proud of, perhaps one of the best has been the planning and execution of a name change ceremony for FirstRock Real Estate Investments Limited. This was one of my first major executions since joining the company and also my first time preparing remarks for the executive speakers at the event. I was very proud that the event came off without a hitch and the way that the remarks captured the essence of the speakers and aligned with the occasion.
AW: When would you say you have worked the hardest?
STH: I work hard every day. Perhaps a time that stands out most in my mind was when I was pursuing my MBA while working full-time. At that time there were no weekends or evenings off as I would work from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm then have classes in the evenings as well as on the weekends. It was particularly difficult when exams were looming at the same time when I would have weekend events or activities for work. I was very fortunate at that time to have an understanding team who genuinely wanted me to excel and successfully graduate with my master’s.
AW: What is your go-to thing for motivation?
STH: I would say that being outdoors is really my place of inspiration when I need to re-energise. Whether it is going walking for exercise or taking a break at the beach, there is just something about the beauty of nature that puts life into perspective and provides clarity of thought.
AW: What is your advice to young women who are looking to pursue a career in your field?
STH: I would tell young women looking to pursue a career in marketing the following:
1. Be prepared to learn something new every single day. No matter how much of a subject matter expert you may think you are, the nature of the industry is very dynamic and one of the best ways to succeed is by learning from others.
2. Continued learning is a necessity, not an option. Whether it is a short course or another degree, it is very important to regularly upgrade your skills, especially given the dynamism of the industry.
3. Marketing is not nearly as glamorous as it looks. No matter your industry and the support resources you have, chances are there will be times when you have to roll up your sleeves to get the job done. Be prepared for it and embrace it as this also helps to keep you grounded.
