Jopwell Select Community Spotlight: Aminata Sow
This article is the fifth in a series highlighting wins from Jopwell Select candidates and practical tips for professionals seeking job opportunities. Jopwell Select candidates are professionals with two or more years of experience who are actively looking for new opportunities in New York City or the San Francisco Bay area. Today’s Jopwell Select spotlight is on Aminata Sow, a Marketing & Strategy Lead at Hudson’s Bay Company. We asked Aminata a few questions about her new role and advice for the Select community.
What is your current role?
At Hudson's Bay Company I am the Marketing & Strategy Lead. I provide marketing and strategy support to drive vendor sourcing and spend optimization initiatives. I am responsible for identifying cost optimization opportunities across the Marketing vendor base, including but not limited to advertising, print, social media, and CRM, driving for the best value, and assisting with procurement strategy, processes, and execution.
What excited you about this new role?
I am excited about the role because it was newly created, which gives me the opportunity to spread my wings and leverage skillsets to set my own path and make an impact.
How did Jopwell help you with your job search?
Prior to actively applying for roles on Jopwell, I was applying to hundreds of jobs for months! I was working with a Jopwell recruiter early on in my process of looking for opportunities with Jopwell. She informed me about current opportunities and was my source and guide when I applied to roles and had questions. I landed my current role at HBC because a recruiter there spotted my resume on the Jopwell Select portal.
Make sure your resume is up to date within the Jopwell system, because you never know who may find you! Through Jopwell, I learned about McKinsey's Next Generation Women's Leadership Conference, which was an all-expense paid professional leadership experience in Virginia for the weekend. I participated with the NGWL conference the weekend before I started my role at HBC, which was refreshing, rewarding and a great way to start off the next chapter of my career path. I am very thankful and grateful for the opportunities that have come through Jopwell.
Aminata Sow, Jopwell Select Member
What advice do you have for professionals looking for a new job?
Spend time developing and nurturing your network because oftentimes, "your network determines your net worth." I made the mistake of dropping the ball on actively networking when I moved from Washington, DC to New York in 2016. Prior to leaving DC, I was working for a top consulting firm and always networking, however when I moved to New York to work for a smaller firm I scaled back from networking. When I left the small firm I thought I'd find something within a month's time, but that was not the case.
During my 6 months of being unemployed, I networked more than I ever have in my life, made lasting connections and friendships, built resiliency, preserved and kept my faith. I decided to be the change I wanted to see by passing on information, events and job opportunities to my networks. Networking is a shared responsibility but never give without expecting anything in return. Lead by example, be bold and be authentically YOU!
How do you de-stress after a long day at work?
I de-stress after work with either exercise, reading a good book (I have a goal to read 50 books this year), watching a really good documentary/movie or doing all three. I also volunteer during my free time at the Food Bank NYC in Harlem by preparing and serving food for senior citizens. I believe that our duty while on Earth is to give and help others, which in turn brings me joy.
What's a quote that inspires you?
Every morning set your intention by reciting affirmations and writing down at least 5 things you are thankful for. A quote that inspires me is, "I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was." by Muhammad Ali.
Interested in learning more about Jopwell Select or want to refer a friend? Email [email protected].
