From Retail to Branding:
A Journey of Passion and Growth
Born in the vibrant city of New York, I had the privilege of experiencing the diverse cultures and bustling energy that the Big Apple has to offer. However, my journey took an unexpected turn when my family decided to move to Malaysia. It was here, amidst the vibrant tapestry of Southeast Asian traditions, that I truly discovered the richness of my multicultural heritage.
My journey to Malaysia began in the middle of my middle school years. It was a daunting experience at first, being in a completely new country with a different culture and language. But I was determined to make the most of this opportunity and immerse myself in the Malaysian way of life.
The biggest challenge initially was the language barrier. I didn't speak a word of Malay when I arrived, and it was crucial to pick it up quickly to communicate effectively. My family enrolled me in a language course, and I spent hours every day learning Malay. I also made friends with local students who patiently helped me practice the language outside of class. Over time, I became more confident and fluent in Malay, which made my daily life much more manageable.
Enrolling in a Malaysian school was an eye-opening experience. The education system was different from what I was accustomed to, but I adapted quickly. Over time, I not only excelled academically but also formed strong friendships with my classmates, further enriching my overall school experience.
Understanding and respecting Malaysian culture was another important aspect of my journey. I embraced the diverse culture, traditions, and customs of Malaysia. I attended cultural events, visited historical sites, and celebrated festivals like Hari Raya and Deepavali with my newfound friends. This helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the country's rich cultural heritage.
Being with my family was challenging since I hadn’t seen them for more than 10 years, but it also brought us closer together. We made an effort to explore Malaysia together during weekends and school holidays. We celebrated special occasions of family members which are now a big part of my life. Made a ritual of having lunch and dinner every weekend just so we could catch up and go over moments in our lives. We even traveled to different parts of the country, from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the serene beaches of Penang. These experiences allowed us to bond as a family and create lasting memories.
As the years passed, I continued to excel in school and made lifelong friends. I joined various extracurricular activities, from sports teams to cultural clubs, which enriched my high school experience. Finally, the day of my high school graduation arrived, and I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the incredible journey I had undertaken in Malaysia.
My time in Malaysia had transformed me into a more culturally aware and adaptable person. I had not only learned the language, attended school, and embraced the culture but had also built strong relationships with my family and friends. My journey as a foreign student in Malaysia had been challenging, but it was a period of personal growth and enrichment that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.
As I navigated my way through the labyrinthine streets of Kuala Lumpur, I was exposed to a melting pot of cultures, languages, and experiences. It was during these formative years that I developed a profound appreciation for diversity and the power of effective communication.
In pursuit of higher education and new opportunities, I found myself in the vibrant city-state of Singapore. It was here that I began to explore the world of business, diving headfirst into the dynamic realm of retail. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary job would shape my career path in unexpected ways.
For over five years, I dedicated myself to the retail industry, honing my skills in customer service, sales, and strategic thinking. It was through these experiences that I discovered my passion for branding and marketing. As I engaged with customers and persuaded them to embrace new products, I realized the immense power of effective communication in shaping consumer behavior.
Fuelled by my newfound passion for business and a desire to build a career that merged both creativity and strategy, I decided to further my education and enrolled in the prestigious Baruch Zicklin School of Business. This was a transformative decision that opened doors to academic excellence and placed me on the path toward professional growth and success. Becoming the first in my family to receive a bachelor's degree was a momentous achievement, a testament to the resilience and determination that has been instilled in me from an early age.
At Baruch, I took up a major in Advertising and Marketing Communications, driven by my deep interest in how brands communicate with audiences and shape consumer behavior. I also chose to minor in Human Resource Management, as I recognized the growing importance of human capital in any business organization. Understanding HR practices allowed me to blend my passion for marketing with a deep appreciation for organizational behavior and talent management. The combination of these disciplines provided me with a holistic understanding of business, from crafting effective marketing strategies to managing and motivating the teams that implement them.
While managing a rigorous academic schedule, I worked a full-time job to support myself and gain practical, hands-on experience. Balancing work and study taught me invaluable skills in time management, responsibility, and problem-solving. It reinforced my ability to stay focused under pressure and maintain a high level of performance in multiple areas of life. My job also exposed me to various facets of business operations, providing insights that complemented my academic learning and prepared me for the challenges of a professional career.
In addition to my full-time job, I actively sought out internships to further develop my skills and expand my professional network. Interning at different marketing agencies and HR departments allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. I worked on campaigns, conducted market research, and contributed to strategic HR initiatives, which enhanced my ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and adapt to the dynamic nature of the business world. These internships also solidified my passion for marketing and HR, allowing me to refine my career goals and set a clear direction for my future.
Each of these experiences—academic, work, and internship—has played a crucial role in shaping my career trajectory. They have taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning, all of which have been instrumental in helping me become the professional I am today. Ultimately, my journey has been one of growth, driven by a commitment to education, hard work, and a determination to break barriers and create a meaningful impact in both the business and HR fields.
But life is full of surprises, and as I pursued my studies, something unexpected happened. I became a dog mom to a hyperactive corgi, adding a whole new dimension of responsibility to my already fast-paced life. Balancing two internships, attending classes full-time, and caring for my four-month-old puppy was no small feat. Yet, in the midst of chaos, I discovered an innate ability to thrive in demanding environments, drawing strength from the weight of my responsibilities.
Driven by my passion for branding and marketing, I aspire to leverage my experiences and skills to make a lasting impact in the industry. Through effective communication, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior, I aim to create compelling brand experiences that resonate with audiences on a profound level.
Beyond my career ambitions, I have a thirst for adventure and a hunger for new experiences. Skydiving and bungee jumping hold a coveted spot on my ever-growing bucket list, serving as reminders of the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown.
As I reflect on my journey from retail to branding, one thing becomes clear - responsibilities fuel my drive to succeed and be better. Each challenge I face, whether in my personal or professional life, ignites a fire within me, pushing me to exceed my own expectations and leave an indelible mark on the world.
So, armed with my passion, cultural background, and unwavering determination, I am poised to take on the dynamic world of branding and marketing, ready to evolve, adapt, and create transformative experiences that captivate and inspire
Signing off,
Jeanne Tung