I was attending a networking event organised by my university at that time, where I met Olivia, TEMBO’s Head of Operations. We had a conversation where we both shared information about ourselves, including our backgrounds and career paths. She then invited me to the TEMBO ACADEMY Session that was happening in March.

My experience with TEMBO ACADEMY is slightly unconventional. I couldn't attend the session that day as I had classes, and by the time I arrived, the session was over. I still went and chatted with Olivia as I remembered her, and the next day I asked her if she could send me the presentation slides used during the ACADEMY session by email. I believe that taking the initiative to engage with TEMBO, even though I couldn't physically attend the session, left a positive impression and demonstrated my eagerness to learn.

I remember liking the fact that they included the meaning of the name and TEMBO emblem in the presentation alongside the qualities they value in the company, as companies do not always do this. It was straight to the point and not sugar-coated, making it sound more truthful and authentic. I was also impressed that they included one of their employees’ success stories as an example, with relevant info such as their background, joining the ACADEMY, freelance work, permanent role, a day in the life, challenges, and advice to get started in the industry.

In the following months, I focused on my studies. While I was waiting for the graduation ceremony in July, I started updating my LinkedIn profile and applying for jobs. I then connected with Olivia on LinkedIn, and after a couple of weeks, she told me they had an open position for a Marketing Assistant role.

The recruitment process at TEMBO was streamlined and efficient. I submitted my CV, followed by an interview with TEMBO IMPACT's Marketing Director. At the end of the interview, I was given 3 tasks: writing an email copy, crafting social media posts, and performing a proofreading exercise.

That was the first time I was writing a copy for an email, so I first researched some examples online and in my inbox. I then tailored the tone of voice based on the target audience, and I used Canva to draft the email so they could visualise my idea. I also visited TEMBO’s website and social media channels, and I found a post with ‘tips for writing emails’, so I adjusted accordingly.

I find these practical tasks to be very useful for both candidates and employers. It is a chance for the former to see what kind of tasks to expect from the job role and to show their skills and for the latter to see the candidate’s level and attitude. I find these more practical than other companies’ aptitude and personality tests, which often don’t reflect the actual person’s value.

I took this chance as an opportunity to go beyond what they asked me to do and show I was the right fit for the job. To this day, what I learned by doing those tasks is still relevant, and the process I use when I face a new challenge is similar.

After receiving positive feedback, I had a final interview with TEMBO IMPACT's Head of Marketing, and following that, I got the job offer.

My experience working at TEMBO IMPACT

It’s been 3 months since I joined TEMBO IMPACT, and I feel like I’ve been here longer! I learned so much in a few months.

During my first weeks, I was a bit nervous as I wasn’t sure if I could meet the expectations, but I was given time to settle in and understand the role, the processes and the tools that are used in the job. At the end of the day, the way to learn is by doing!

In these months, I have worked on tasks for clients from different sectors, including Healthcare, Human Resources Services, Built Environment, Movies and Entertainment, Information Services, Legal Services, Wellbeing Services, Technology, Information and Media and more.

My main tasks involved creating content and writing copies for posts tailored to different channels, creating and building emails, image sourcing for content, content scheduling, engaging on social media channels, general research, contacts research for databases, hashtag research, influencers research, associations and partners research, website edits and audits, weekly status reports, on-site support during the event.

Here are 7 things I love about working at TEMBO IMPACT:

1. There are various things to do

You’ll never find yourself doing the same task repeatedly.

2. I can often use my creativity

Ideas are always welcome.

3. Clarity and transparency

The management team is open about the journey to grow within the company.

4. Available support

We have a line manager with whom we can talk weekly about our professional growth.

5. Friendly team

Since I joined TEMBO, everyone has been nice to me, and I was well integrated into the team. Whenever I have questions, everyone is ready to help.

6. Achievements and contributions are celebrated and shared

Whenever my efforts resulted in positive feedback from the client, the managers communicated it and shared it with the team, which made me feel valuable.

7. Enhanced skills

Working with different managers and execs has helped me improve my adaptability and collaboration skills. Other skills I improved are time management, communication, and content creation.