Jessica B.
About me
| Jessica B. | |
| Language and Linguistic Science | |
| BA Spanish with Linguistics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Halifax | |
| 2013 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Global Duty Free Marketing Project Manager | |
| Philip Morris International | |
| Switzerland | |
| Advertising, marketing and PR |
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A day in the life of a Global Duty Free Marketing Project Manager in Switzerland
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work for Philip Morris International, managing their smoke-free future strategy in our Duty Free marketing department. We are currently marketing better alternatives to smoking for legal-age smokers through the huge business transformation of the business, moving away from cigarettes to better smoking alternatives.
What do you do?
I manage the global marketing launches of all new products in our Duty Free global regions. I work closely with our teams in Japan, Korea and MEA to ensure our projects milestones are met.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
Stepping stones is what I'd like to say. I dipped my toe in so many different jobs after completely my degree, as I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. Each job got me to where I am now to a strong marketeer & communicator.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
100%. Never thought I would be working for Philip Morris and trying to provide better alternatives to cigarettes to millions of smokers around the world.
Describe your most memorable day at work
I'm not sure I have 1 memorable day - but working with a great team of international colleagues is what makes me wake up every morning and enjoy my job the most.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Always - there's a lot of pre-conceptions around the tobacco world. A company that is going through a huge transformation after years of negative reputation, it's a challenge to make people understand that a lot of people working in Philip Morris want smokers to quit.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Very similar to Google. It's open space, barrista coffee areas everywhere - very millennial-driven. It's great.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I did a lot of language-exchanges with students. We would meet up and practice a number of languages (seeing as I speak 5) and that was probably my favourite extracurrcilar (minus freshers week).
What would you like to do next with your career?
I am working on launching my own lifestyle-brand business. It's been a good 4 years in the making. 2021 I plan to launch in Europe and see where that takes me - each job I had since university brought me to this moment. From the IT/shipping/beauty/tobacco sectors, I now know what I want to do for the next 5-10 years (I hope!).
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Patience and determination. I didn't get a first class degree, but I got the jobs I wanted. Today there is an added pressure/expectation on young students to be number 1 as soon as they've graduated. Some land their dream job and that's them set, but for others it's a road to finding what you really like/enjoy. Patience is what got me to where I am now.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
I have experience in global multinationals in the IT/transport/beauty/tobacco sector - a wide range. I have strong project management and communication background, but also have strong skills in digital marketing/paid media.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
That I would have loved to have had a mentor whilst I was at University - especially with my family and friends far from the UK. Sometimes, someone 'real' is what you need when you feel the pressure is mounting before university. You're degree is so important, but it's not going to dictate the rest of your life.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Jessica’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Jessica a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Jessica to be your mentor.