Marketing Her Way to Success
Written By Asia Howe
“You have nothing to lose. Everything you have acquired of value is locked inside of you.”
— Jerry Zucker
Graduating students have a multitude of goals to consider about further education, careers and jobs, living situations, and the like. The list can seem endless. Yet, amongst all this “Life Option A” versus “Life Option B” concern, do we contemplate whether or not we want employment at once after graduation? Is such a feat even possible? For University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) Class of Spring 2014 alumni Dayna Bersamin, it was.
UH Hilo Class of Spring 2014 alumni Dayna Bersamin. Photo courtesy of Dayna Bersamin.
Although Bersamin entered the university believing she wanted a career in finance, after taking a marketing course, she discovered her true passion. The alumni holds a Bachelors of Business Administration, Marketing Concentration, and works as a Marketing Specialist at HPM Building Supply here in Hilo. “I’ve had the opportunity,” she concedes about her career, “to learn ad and graphic design [and] online marketing, which includes managing our website, pay per clicks, SEO [search engine optimization], social media, blog, and eNewsletters.”
While the spring graduate has learned to complete many new tasks, she uses the knowledge that she acquired during her time at UH Hilo in a number of ways. She particularly credits both her degree and experience from internships and jobs, however, for getting her two feet in the door to her current career. “Learning the work/life skills,” Bersamin declares, “from those [internship and job] experiences has helped me a lot more than what I learned in the classroom; but, I learned better research skills, public speaking, and the foundation of marketing in college, which I still very much appreciate!”
Video Interview with UH Hilo Alumni, Dayna Bersamin. Video filmed and edited by ALEX Intern Reporter, Asia Howe.
Like most students preparing for graduation, the alumni found the few months before graduation frightening. More personally, she found living on her own, being from Maui, and managing her finances by herself quite stressful. “I did have my doubts at times,” Bersamin states, “but being prepared and doing internships through ALEX really relieved some of that weight on my shoulders.” One internship, in fact, was with HPM Building Supply last spring which, much to her surprise, concluded with her employment. “I’m not saying that life is easy after college,” she warns, “but once you prepare, secure a job, [and] learn how to budget your finances and save, everything seems a little easier.”
Bersamin at work as an HPM Building Supply Marketing Specialist. Photo courtesy of Dayna Bersamin.
In regard to what graduating students should do to prepare for life after college, the alumni cites internships. She sees these experiences as crucial for securing a job upon graduation. She states, “I would recommend students to start interning as soon as they can.” Participating in internships, according to Bersamin, allows a student to gain experience for jobs, make connections, and learn about career preferences. “Find something you love and enjoy!” She adds.
ALEX would like to congratulate all spring 2015 graduates. UH Hilo commencement is planned to take place on Saturday, May 16. Please direct graduation questions to uhhgrad@hawaii.edu.
