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Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC berkeley letters and science: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from a marketing internship to cofounding and CEOing Super Bench, a company leveraging AI in home services, is detailed in this interview.
The interviewee's path highlights the importance of a versatile skillset, emphasizing effective communication and data analysis.
A blend of sales, product development, and client relationship management defines a typical day, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the role.
Success in this field requires self-learning, strong people management, and the ability to connect disparate information.
The interviewee stresses the value of undergraduate econometrics, emphasizing its application to data-driven decision-making.
The importance of efficient work habits, leveraging AI for research, and seeking help when needed are also highlighted.
A particular emphasis is placed on the transformative impact technology is having on traditionally offline industries, and the exciting opportunities for young professionals in these evolving sectors.
This inspiring account offers practical advice to students seeking impactful careers, emphasizing the potential for significant growth in dynamic startups.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jingjing Zhong
Cofounder/CEO
UC berkeley letters and science
UC Berkeley
UC BEREKLEY Economics undergrad
Economics
Technology
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Transfer Student
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Career Path of a Cofounder CEO from UC Berkeley Letters and Science
Jingjing's career path began with a marketing internship during their junior year as a transfer student, followed by a full-time position at Hule Hand Loki, working in San Francisco and London. After four to five years at a Singapore startup, Jingjing felt it was "a right time to start something on my own," leading to the founding of Super Bench, a company now operating for nearly a year.
Main Responsibilities Of A Cofounder And CEO At Super Bench
Jingjing, Super Bench's Cofounder/CEO, prioritizes identifying client problems and translating them into product development priorities, collaborating closely with the tech and product team. Their role also encompasses "fundraising for the company, doing running the sales and marketing side," essentially managing all non-technical aspects of the business.
A Day in the Life of a Cofounder and CEO at UC Berkeley
Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science, describes a typical day as a blend of "sales and problem discovery with new clients," assessing "does our current solution match their priorities," and actively engaging in industry research to anticipate future trends, all while dedicating significant time to "fixing bugs" and product improvement based on client feedback. This reflects the multifaceted demands of a leadership role in an early-stage company.
Most Important Skills for a Cofounder and CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science
Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science, emphasizes that a well-rounded skillset is crucial, likening the necessary abilities to a "Swiss army knife." However, the most important skill is effective communication, as the ability to "define the problem" is key to solving it within their complex role.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Cofounder And CEO At UC Berkeley
Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science, finds immense satisfaction in the current role, particularly in "helping home services companies...implement AI technologies," and witnessing the positive impact—seeing "more sales instead of a lot of unanswered messages"—which brings more joy than personal financial gain.
Biggest Challenges For a Cofounder and CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science
Jingjing's biggest challenge as Cofounder/CEO is "trying to get the words out there" and acquiring new clients in a traditionally offline industry. This involves significant "cold calling" and direct outreach, highlighting the early-stage nature of the company and the need for innovative marketing strategies.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Startup Industry as a Berkeley Cofounder CEO
Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science, enjoys witnessing "a lot more youngsters, like 20 years old, joining" traditionally older industries like cleaning and plumbing, quickly mastering technology and marketing to build multi-million dollar businesses. This shift excites Jingjing, showcasing the potential of a new generation disrupting established fields.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Cleaning Industry, According To A Cofounder And CEO At UC Berkeley Letters And Science
Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science, identifies self-learners unafraid of judgment as thriving in the industry, citing examples of Stanford and Berkeley graduates succeeding in traditionally viewed sectors like cleaning services by leveraging "people, technology, and process". Success also hinges on strong people management skills, as Jingjing emphasizes the importance of being a "fantastic people manager".
What A Cofounder And CEO At UC Berkeley Wishes They Knew Before Entering The Startup Industry
Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science, wished they had taken more economics and data science classes before entering their industry, because "if you know how to work with data...that helps you to make decision much faster." This highlights the importance of quantitative skills for effective leadership, even if other aspects of business can be outsourced.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Cofounders and CEOs
Jingjing, a Cofounder/CEO, suggests undergraduates consider entry-level roles like data science, engineering, business analysis, or even "chief of staff," advising to not be afraid of applying for bigger roles at smaller companies where one can "learn a lot more" and make a significant impact; the experience in a startup allows for greater exposure and responsibility than a large company.
Significant Career Lesson From a Cofounder and CEO at UC Berkeley
Jingjing, Cofounder/CEO at UC Berkeley Letters and Science, emphasizes the importance of efficient work habits, advising to avoid unnecessary toil. The key takeaway is "be lazy but smart," automating repetitive tasks to maximize individual output and effectively accomplish "10 people's jobs."
College Experiences Helping A Cofounder And CEO From UC Berkeley Letters And Science Succeed
Jingjing's undergraduate econometrics class proved invaluable in their current role as Cofounder/CEO, applying "regression analysis, running AB tests, and a lot of stats" learned in that class to the data-driven operations of their home services platform. This quantitative foundation, gained from their economics major, is seen as key to their success.
How Identity Has Influenced A Cofounder CEO's Career At UC Berkeley
Jingjing, a cofounder/CEO, shared that navigating a career as an Asian transfer student taught the importance of asking for help, stating, "people are really nice...people are happy to help you." This experience highlighted the value of humility and seeking support to overcome challenges.
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