Kristina's Learner Journey
From TikTok to Real-World Application
At just 17 years old, Kristina, a first-year business administration student at San Diego’s Miramar Junior college, is already on the path toward career success. Not only is she juggling college and leading two clubs, but she’s also diving headfirst into the world of product marketing through Ascent’s internship program.
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Kristina's path to product marketing wasn't traditional and represents a changing landscape in education. While scrolling on TikTok, she saw a “day in the life” video of a product marketing manager. In the video, the woman laid out the ins and outs of her job, the salary and how she budgets, and how she got the job – through a rotational internship program.
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The job aligned with Kristina’s passions and interests, and she realized that classroom learning alone wouldn’t cut it. She noted that she wanted to see what this type of work was really like in the field and that she and all her friends know paid-work experiences are crucial for getting both real-world experience and job opportunities post-graduation.
Navigating the Office Environment
Stepping into an office environment was a new experience for Kristina. "I didn't really know what to expect," she admits. "My family works in a non-office environment, so I had no context for a desk job." As she navigated what a desk job required, she commented that the hybrid model of her paid-work experience has been a perfect balance, allowing her more flexibility for her busy school schedule while also giving her the opportunity to see what working in-person in an office is like. "Driving downtown from Mira Mesa isn't ideal with my classes," she noted, " but the hybrid model gives me that balance and lets me get to know my team and what a desk job is like in person."
Barriers and Balancing Commitments
In our conversation, Kristina acknowledged the challenges young people face entering the workforce. She commented, "I see how the culture shock can be huge for those who haven't worked before." Her previous part-time job at a boba shop provided valuable transferable skills and a work mindset that eased her transition. However, balancing a full-time course load with a demanding internship has its challenges. "The commute alone takes an hour of my day," she explains. "And with homework and classes, weekends are pretty much non-existent."
Peer Support and the Need for Practical Skills
Kristina was clear that one of the most valuable aspects of her paid-work experience has been the support she received from her fellow intern. "Having someone my age to ask questions and get clarification from has been incredibly helpful," Kristina shared, noting that having someone closer to her age going through the experience with her has helped her feel less lonely.
Kristina also highlighted the need for practical skills that aren't typically taught in school like time management and learning how to “read the room” – knowing when to ping someone versus approaching them directly.
Looking Ahead: Ideal Future Employers
As for her ideal employer, Kristina mentioned she would look for jobs based on salary, remote/hybrid options, a supportive environment, and a company with a strong mission. "I want to work somewhere that offers growth and where I can be proud of what I'm doing," she said. "I don't want to be doing the same thing for 10-15 years. I want variety and purpose."