We are getting close to that time of year when many students are looking at what to do over summer. Whether you want an internship, a summer job, or just be in the perfect place to relax and enjoy your summer, thinking about the future can be scary. We caught up with recent Oregon grad, Kate Ramirez (also our old Assistant Director of Marketing here at the Student Alumni Association), to get her take on finding the right path for you.
What is your current position?
KR: I work at a company called Prialto which is a virtual assistant service. My official role is marketing associate. Prialto is a small company, and I was the second hire on the marketing team ever. The company is an off-source business model where the headquarters is in Portland, but all the assistants work out of Manila, Philippines and Guatemala City.
What are your roles in the position?
KR: My main responsibility is social. I manage all the accounts: I do strategy, content creation, design and campaigns. Also with design, I make all of our ads for websites and LinkedIn. I create our documents that we give to clients, one-pagers on the benefits of our business that show analytics and numbers. I make all the presentations for our CEO and Chief Revenue Officer and help them with their thought leadership strategy. We are B2B so it’s different from anything I have ever done, but I really enjoy it.
What did you major in at UO?
KR: I have a degree in Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration. I started in the business school planning on majoring in Marketing, but I realized I fit better in the J school. I always think it's funny though that I ended up in a position with a marketing title.
What was your path like from graduation to your current position?
KR: I was really lucky because I did have this job lined up when I graduated. I am from the Bay, and I came to Oregon and loved it so I knew I wanted to look for jobs in Portland. I started looking around spring break and actually found the position on Handshake. I applied around the beginning of April, did a phone interview and then an in-person interview. I think it was around mid-May when I knew I had the position secured.
How did resources at UO help with this journey?
KR: Working for the Student Alumni Association really helped with getting experience. I was helping with events and interacting with alumni in beneficial ways like the Speed Networking event. I remember at that event in particular I learned so much about different jobs and met people in Advertising and Marketing firms. Another resource was the J school which has so many events too. I went to the Portland Paddle winter term of my senior year which is another networking event. I also went to San Francisco with the PR program during winter break where I learned so much about agency jobs and in-house positions. The teachers in the J school also are such a good resource: they are so supportive and have so many connections.
What advice do you have for seniors?
KR: This is a stressful time but make sure you are putting yourself in the right environment. Do not accept a job just do have a job. There really is no rush and no pressure. Job hunting is stressful but take your time, and make sure to research places that you are applying to. And do not compare your search to your friends’ and classmates’.
What advice do you have for all students?
KR: Use all of your resources at UO and build your network! With students, with professors, at events - you will never have this many potential connections around you again. The school has so many opportunities to grow your network and you will thank yourself senior year. Informational interviews do not guarantee a job, but people will remember you. Also make sure to get involved and take classes that interest you outside of your major.
How do you still stay connected with the Duck community?
KR: Well I am a member of the UO Alumni Association, but I feel connected every day in that all of my best friends in Portland went to UO and I still speak to a lot of people in the J school. I am asked to be involved with J school events, and I try to give back resources to students that were offered to me as a student. I do not think I would be where she I am today without the Duck community.