Mary Abebe

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from one of my professors after a final exam. She told me not to plan my entire life all at once, but instead to take things year by year because life is unpredictable and people grow and change over time. That advice really resonated with me, especially considering how quickly social media, marketing, and the digital world are evolving in our generation. She emphasized the importance of being comfortable with not having everything figured out and focusing on doing what you genuinely love in the most authentic way possible instead of trying to create the perfect image for other people. We were talking about success, and she reminded me not to chase accomplishments just for external validation, but to define success based on what truly fulfills me personally and professionally. I found that perspective incredibly inspiring and grounding.

The advice I would give to young women entering marketing and communications is not to let fear stop you from pursuing something you genuinely enjoy. Even though the industry is constantly changing, especially with AI and the digital world evolving so quickly, there will always be a need for creative people who understand human connection, storytelling, and branding. If you're someone who enjoys creativity, communication, and understanding what happens behind brands and media, there are still so many opportunities available. One thing I've learned through my experiences is that authentic, human-centered work will always matter. Technology can support the industry, but creativity, perspective, and real human interaction are things that people will always value. Stay focused on growing your skills, being adaptable, and doing work that feels meaningful to you instead of letting fear about the future discourage you. 

One of the biggest challenges in marketing and communications right now is how quickly the digital world is evolving, especially with AI, social media, and changing audience behaviors. It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up with trends, algorithms, and the constant pressure to create content quickly. At the same time, I think that’s also one of the biggest opportunities in the industry. Brands and companies are looking for people who can create authentic storytelling and meaningful human connection in a space that can sometimes feel oversaturated or impersonal. I think creativity, adaptability, and understanding people are becoming more valuable than ever. Marketing is no longer just about selling something it’s about building trust, community, and experiences that people genuinely connect with.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are balance, authenticity, connection, and growth. Time management is something I highly value because I believe it’s important to stay organized and intentional with the responsibilities and goals you have. At the same time, I also believe strongly in the importance of mental health and taking time to care for yourself instead of constantly overworking or burning yourself out. Another value that’s very important to me is authenticity. I want to work in environments that feel genuine, collaborative, and people-focused, where the work being done has a positive impact or meaningful purpose behind it. I value human connection deeply, and I want my career to reflect the things I’m passionate about while also encouraging and connecting with others.