Livia Strella Putradjaja
2018 International Marketing MSc graduate Livia is founder and owner of brand and social media consultancy Living for Stories to Tell in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Since graduating, what have you gone on to do?
I worked at an e-commerce company, a start-up company and now I’ll be starting my new role in a telco company. My work specialises in Digital Marketing, particularly in Social Media and Branding & Community Management. I also created a podcast (in Indonesian) where I shared my and my partner’s experience about studying and working abroad - so those who are considering living abroad could have a perspective and prepare themselves better by listening to our previous stories.
Is the above what you planned to do before starting university?
Kind of. I was sure I would be working in the Digital Marketing industry, as my educational background and interests have always revolved within the creative media and marketing sectors. Nonetheless, I am aiming to learn more about different aspects of Marketing in the upcoming year, particularly about Branding, Data Analysis and Content Marketing.
What was your favourite thing about your course?
I was able to meet people from all around the world, learning and discussing issues from various perspectives and was challenged to think critically in a structured, data-driven, detailed but concise manner.
Were you involved in any extra-curriculum activities during your time here?
I used to work in JobsOC and did an internship with Global Challenges Academy which enabled me to apply the marketing skills that I learned in the Business School into real-world projects.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Hopefully in the next 5 years I could have deeper knowledge in all sectors of Marketing, allowing me to work for bigger multinational companies with bigger impacts, and my work could be related to the newest technologies such as AI. I’d love to try to work for different industries as well, such as film. I also hope to create interesting content and share valuable experience through my podcast.
How do you see future technologies and new ways of working (Future of Work) affecting your sector?
I’ve been working in the Social Media industry for 6 years since I was an intern, and I’ve seen so many changes within the years to coincide with the changes in technology. I personally think Social Media would still be the key touch point for customers in the next few years, with new platforms and features appearing. Localisation would be extremely important for Social Media Marketing, and the influencers/creators would be the fuel that drive the communities. AI would help in the creative sectors as well, as we could create content and copy easily with the help of Machine Learning. I believe complex problem-solving skills and holistic approach strategies would be the skills that are definitely needed in the job market.
What one piece of advice would you give to somebody looking to start a career in your industry?
Try to volunteer, get work experience, an internship, or placements whenever you can. Build your portfolio as early as possible, and don’t forget to try to work in different industries and roles,so you will know what type of work you enjoy and would like to focus on.
Enjoy your study, manage your time well and try to learn as much as you can – both academically and also personally – especially if you’re an international student, because your mind would be widened by having friends around the world.