JOSE FELIX “JIO” J. ZORRILLA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR IN MANAGEMENT, 2015
AFTER COLLEGE
I had two priorities after graduation. The first was to do what I had no time to accomplish during my UA&P days: learn how to drive, visit the Land of the Rising Sun (my favorite, Japan) and spend time with friends instead of readings.
The second and biggest priority for the year was to find my first job. After studying management for four years, I was so excited to both apply in and receive offers from the big retail and multinational companies of fast-moving consumer goods. I actually did, but I found myself signing a job offer from an e-commerce startup, which is now everyone’s go-to place for some online retail therapy: Lazada.
I still recall the chief marketing officer asking me in my interview why I considered working for the company versus accepting offers from the big ones. I answered like a trailblazer. “I think a young company such as yours needs fresh minds with bright ideas for it to exponentially grow. I see the potential of ecommerce, and I would want to grow with it.” I was so sure of my decision because I wanted to be part of a groundbreaking industry.
AT PRESENT
I am still with the ecommerce market leader and still happily learning. I get to discover new things about the company, the industry, and myself. Though I’m not a graduate of integrated marketing communications (but always mistaken to be one), I was trusted to lead many marketing communications campaigns at a very young age. Some of my favorites include our full out-of-home rollout in 2016, our very first livestream video with a celebrity, the implementation of localized TV commercials, and influencer and media events. I also got the chance to launch a marketing competition for university students. Today, I’m focusing more on the communications part of the job.
ON UA&P
Working for an ecommerce company reminds me of my daily grind in UA&P. The challenges I face every day at work is a constant reminder to myself that I shouldn’t stop growing. I am enjoying myself because I grow with the company.
As UA&P celebrates its 50th anniversary, I have three wishes for the University. First, I hope it continues to produce people-centric graduates. Second, I hope when I have children, they also get to study here. Last but not the least, I hope the School of Management welcomes me back, not as an alumnus but as a teacher. I want to give back. Happy birthday, UA&P. #
Leave a Reply