Career Path of an Associate Director Digital Media Optimization at a Top-3 US Pharma Company
Amir's career path wasn't traditional; they lacked early internships, but through "hard work, networking, and developing a relationship with a mentor," they transitioned from a customer service role to marketing, eventually reaching their current Associate Director position at a top pharmaceutical company. The experience highlights the value of perseverance and proactive career development, even when early career experiences are less than ideal.
Networking, Overcoming Challenges, Career Development, Resilience, Motivational Stories
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amir Hemmat
Associate Director, Digital Media Optimization
Top-3 US Pharma Company
Yeshiva University, 2014
N/A
Marketing
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Amir's career path highlights the importance of networking and mentorship in career advancement. He emphasizes the value of internships, but also notes that not having many early in his career did not prevent him from achieving success. His journey shows that perseverance and actively working towards one's goals can compensate for a less traditional path.
2. Amir's experience in a customer service role for three years, followed by a transition to marketing within the same company, showcases the value of transferable skills and the possibility of internal career mobility. This demonstrates that even if one's initial role isn't ideal, it can be a stepping stone to a more desired career path.
3. Amir's story underscores the significance of self-reflection and adapting to challenges. He acknowledges his late start with internships and addresses it with hard work, networking, and seeking mentorship. This advice highlights a proactive and growth-oriented mindset crucial for career success in any field.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Do you have any internships or jobs you had before your current role?
Yes, I definitely can.
In college, I think I was a bit late to the internship portion of my career. This was unfortunate, but I quickly realized the value of internships and gaining corporate experience.
It's true that this may have hampered me at the beginning of my career. However, I adjusted pretty quickly through hard work, networking, and seeking advice from friends. Creating and developing a relationship with a mentor also helped a lot.
Hindsight is 20/20, as they say. I believe I am quite successful in my career stage now. The lesson is that even if you don't have access to resources for internships, or simply forgot about them, that's okay. You're here watching this video and getting advice, which is a great start.
Of course, you need to take action and put your energy into building your career. I did have some internship experiences, though. I interned during a gubernatorial election race, which is like a government election campaign, during the summer of 2010 or 2011. I also had a summer internship at a PR firm.
Some people have internships during the year with companies like Goldman Sachs or Deloitte. That was really the extent of my internship experience.
After college, I got a role I didn't initially want. It was a great company, and I'm thankful for the experience; it taught me a lot about grit, working hard, thinking intelligently, and how to get to where I wanted to be in marketing. I was there for about three years.
I started as a customer service associate for about two years. Through mental fortitude and grit, I was able to work my way into the marketing department, which is where I wanted to be and learn the skills I intended to. The rest is history, I guess.