Career Wisdom 4 You Series Session #7: Insight from Marie Ablaza
Career Wisdom 4 You Series Mission: To serve invaluable insider-wisdom to college students across the globe as they work towards having an impactful & healthy career.
Featured Guest For Wisdom Session #7: Marie Ablaza, Recruiter at Ubisoft. Previously worked at Lucasfilm Ltd.
(Disclaimer: The expressed opinions below are solely Marie Ablaza’s and not of Ubisoft or former employers.)
Question 1: What do you enjoy most about your current role & career overall?
I love the power of storytelling. As a recruiter, I get to bring opportunities to life beyond a job description. I get the chance to bring a resume to life by hearing someone’s career journey and finding out more than what’s written on a few pages. By letting people share their stories, I’m able to see what doors open for them. I get to be around passionate, enthusiastic, creative, and inspiring individuals every day and can help match their passions to their dream job. I’ve been very fortunate to work at some amazing companies in my career, all of which have taught me valuable skills and lessons that’s moulded me into the professional I am today. My career has matched me with teams that collaborate and work towards goals that align with the company’s mission and values. I work with teams that want to push the envelope through creativity and innovation and continue to push themselves to be better. Because of this, there’s never a day where I’m not inspired. I get excited to work with all kinds of people, learn from them, share knowledge, and support their achievements.
Question 2: How should students best maximize their internships?
Stay curious, ask questions, keep learning, and go the extra mile! Internships can teach you everything from tangible and technical skills to soft skills, so be a sponge and soak up whatever you can. This is the time to try new things and gain experiences that will help shape your career journey. Network and talk to people to learn about what they do. Ask where you can get involved and don’t be afraid to volunteer for things. Make sure there’s a clear understanding of what’s asked of you and try to push yourself to go above and beyond those tasks. Internships should challenge you and help you exercise new skills, so don’t be afraid if you start getting out of your comfort zone.
Question 3: What skills and personal characteristics do you feel contribute most to success in your industry?
I attribute my career success to my eagerness and enthusiasm to keep learning. I’m usually researching, reading, attending conferences/webinars, taking online courses, and networking to stay on top of my job skills and trends in the industry I’m in. I’m also motivated to keep learning because we live in a world where things change so quickly and we have to adapt. I welcome any opportunity where I can be a student.
As for personal characteristics, I’m a motivator, supporter, cheerleader, and love to bring out the best in people. I want people to be set up for success and that comes from finding their confidence and showcasing their skills and attributes. I help people to become storytellers, to be excited about opportunities, to find things they are passionate about, and to keep bettering themselves both personally and professionally.
Question 4: What are the biggest early-career mistakes to avoid?
Putting too much weight on quantity vs. quality. I remember starting off my career wanting to have as many internships as I could, trying to make my resume as long as I could, trying to attend every meeting just to say I was there, and taking on more than I can handle just to prove I could multitask. I quickly learned that I was chasing a number instead of focusing my time and energy on the value of these opportunities. No matter how many jobs or responsibilities you have, remember the importance of the quality of the experience, to be mindful of relevant information, and to work efficiently and effectively
Bonus Wisdom: What final piece of advice do you have for students?
Enjoy YOUR journey. Don’t get caught up in other people’s achievements and begin to doubt yourself and think you’re too young, old, late, etc. to find our own success. I believe in focusing on your goals, working hard, and giving your best and things will come in due time. Celebrate all your wins, big and small, and surround yourself with people who will support and celebrate with you. Learn from the mistakes and strive to keep leveling up your career. Be kind to yourself and most of all, have fun! You’ll have the rest of your life to work, but make sure you’re always in a place that challenges you, values you, makes you want to get up in the morning, sparks passion, and above all, brings JOY!