Being a sponge in the workplace

Today (01/11) marks my first work anniversary at Nielsen. I’m so grateful for this whole year of experience and also the learnings that I got.

Adaptation maybe has been the bigger theme throughout this past year working since this was my first time working in a corporate setting especially in market research. To be honest, I’ve never deep dive into the world of market research or business, although I’ve picked up some interest back in my university years by taking an elective course in market research and got to see a glimpse of it. But what I saw in that elective course obviously was not a full concrete depiction of what I'm going to face in the real deal.

I also followed through few changes of managers and directors that made me jump to deal with new other projects, new other people to work with, and new other ways of working. I had to adjust myself and actively trying to learn and understand what kind of expectations my new superior had on me or the result of my work.

Another change I’m facing this first year also includes the pandemic and work from home, but itself can be a whole another chapter…

But these changes not only have made me more adaptable, but I got to see a whole spectrum of things starting from different kinds of clients, industries, research designs, and obviously the different kinds of consumers. It was and still is a gratifying experience for me.

Thankfully through all this, I am surrounded by coworkers and superiors who are supportive and always ready to guide me through this learning journey (can bear the tons of questions I ask them).

I remember one of the earlier directors once said to me, BE A SPONGE- to always absorb any knowledge or skills that you can get from your coworkers, freelancers, your experience, and also especially the clients. He told me I was lucky to be working here because I can learn a lot and yes he was right. I’m still holding on to that mindset of being a sponge, hence I’m still eager to see what I can learn and contribute for the coming year.