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Jameena Ratanaphithayaporn

Content writer at MyFriend App

What do you do?

I’m Jameena! A recent graduate and currently a content writer at MyFriend, your pet’s app! This is my first job in the pet industry, although it’s my third role in the writing field. I’ve been a ghostwriter, scriptwriter, and copywriter. My current responsibilities include researching, writing, and editing content for the application content; along with that also comes social media content, as well as the blog we’re launching soon! That means we also have to focus on SEO and optimize the content so pet lovers and parents can easily find it all over Thailand. Additionally, I also write the copy for the application itself. Yes! It seems simple, but UX UI writing requires a lot of attention to detail, being concise yet effective. It’s a new field that’s gained much traction in the past few years. I’m grateful to have such a supportive work environment that aligns with my curiosities!

What attracted you to the company? Was getting into it challenging or easy? Explain. 

I was actually offered the role since the CPO found me! We had an interview a couple of days later, and within the same day, I got the offer. It was honestly shocking and very unexpected. If I recall correctly, it only took two weeks to transfer my role to the new place. So if I really had to simplify it, it was easy. I saw their website and immediately thought, “What an amazing idea!” and that’s when I knew it was the right company to be in. If you believe your values align with your place of work, it can be really challenging to love what you do and feel passionate about the role. 

What is the key to making you successful in the internship and getting to your current job?

I was actually already working at my internship as a full-time staff member. I haven’t worked in many fields yet and wanted to try everything out to see what I like and dislike. As an executive admin assistant, that was quite easy to do! What made it successful was that I was open to doing anything. From buying office supplies to liaising with third parties and clients, I learned that I preferred a more predictable schedule that wasn’t full of surprises, and I found that in my current role. 

Does your degree equip you with the skills required by your job? 

Well, yes and no. Your mindset approaching school will be a complete 180 compared to when you’re an employee. You won’t know what you need with any job until you do it. It’s a “do or die” mentality because going to school and working is completely different worlds and unique in their own ways. No degree can teach you how to work since many aspects can’t be summarized and encapsulated into a course. But others might disagree; this is just my two cents.

What are the challenges you face daily? How do you overcome them?

Well, if I knew how to overcome them, I wouldn’t be facing them daily, would I? [laughs] Jokes aside, I’d say the challenge we face mostly is the urgency of certain tasks. My main responsibilities are extremely predictable, and we work in advance, so it’s pretty straightforward. It’s usually the stuff that catches us off guard that gets to me the most. But that’s the nature of working in a startup! It’s extremely rewarding, but at the same time, the tight deadlines can catch you by surprise. But honestly, I wouldn’t even consider it a “challenge” because I enjoy them sometimes. I guess I’m just having a good time here. 

Is there any advice you would give current students to help them prepare for employment?

Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best! Just as general life advice too. The working environment is extremely important, and ensure you’re working with a team you enjoy. Even better, work for a company with values you can stand behind. It’ll help a lot – and great managers can be hard to find! So cherish them and give them appreciation whenever you can. Don’t settle for a place that micromanages you because that will eventually burn you out, and last but not least: READ YOUR CONTRACT. 

How did your experiences or time at STIU help shape you as a person, moving from being a student to a graduate of the University?

Well, I’d say I went through a lot of personal self-development during my time at Stamford. But it comes naturally, especially because I was 18 when I first entered University! A lot of things can happen between that age range. I started to listen more carefully, try to see people as they are, and truly feel for others, even though their opinions might differ. Because of the different people you meet at this University, the diversity of students showed me the complexities in each individual, and I can’t appreciate that more. I can truly hear people beyond the words they speak. 

What are your career plans?

My life motto has always been “wherever life takes me”, so I’m exactly on that boat! I’m enjoying my current schedule and job alongside my freelance gigs that I do get here and there. Usually, the moment I feel a little “settled” in life, something always comes my way to surprise me. So I guess I’m just waiting for the next surprise 🙂