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From Scientist to Marketing Executive: Janet Kay's Journey

N

Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

This archive report was first published on 8 July 2021.

Janet Kay, a group digital marketing executive at Hemingways Hospitality Limited, has an inspiring story to tell. She started her career as a scientist, but after an internship, she realized that it wasn't the right fit for her. She then made the bold decision to switch to marketing, and it's been a journey that has brought her immense happiness.

Janet's day starts with a hot cup of masala tea, followed by a commute to work while listening to uplifting music. Once at the office, she gets into work mode by responding to emails, checking the company's online presence, and rolling out the content calendar for the day. She also ensures that the company website is well updated, as it's the face of the brand in the online space.

Janet's job requires great planning, and she takes pride in ticking off her to-do list every day. In the evenings, she loves winding down with a cup of masala tea and a good book. She's not afraid to take risks, but always thinks them through and consults her mentors before making any decisions.

Janet's career switch was not an easy one. She studied food science and technology for her undergraduate degree, but during her internship, she realized that it wasn't what she wanted to do. She then made the switch to marketing and got her first job at Capital FM. Thankfully, there's an intersection between what she studied and what she currently does – both require great data analysis.

Janet loves what she does now because she gets to directly contribute to the company's revenue through the online platforms she manages, and she meets and interacts with people from all walks of life. She also loves that she gets to travel and sample different cuisines, which are her top two hobbies.

Janet's top tips for positioning a brand favourably in the online space are to identify the unique selling point of the brand, understand who the target audience is, and create a solid online strategy. She also advises engaging with the online audience.

Janet's best career advice is to always leave a great mark wherever you go. She also urges everyone to find out what they're passionate about, as it can help them discover their purpose. If you're looking to make a career switch, take time before making a jump, and consult with people who are in the field you're interested in.

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