Trade and commerce are as old as man and since time memorial man has always been involved in business and has used different methods over time to lure customers so as to stay in business. With every new generation comes technological developments that change the way we do things and in this era which is characterized by accelerated change, overwhelming complexity and tremendous competition, business too needs to cope up with these changes. 
One of the new forms of advertising that is taking businesses by storm in Social Media Marketing. To help you understand what is takes to venture in social media marketing and the trends you should expect in 5 years from now, we caught up with Christine Mutebi the in charge operations at Sukuma Online Company and this is what we asked

Tell Us about your self ?

I am a hardworking and a God fearing person with Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Management from Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi who takes academics and business seriously but also has a social life as i like to go out with my friends and i do love sports.

Describe your typical day ?

I usually get up at 5;30am and say a little prayer. Make an agenda for my day and then prepare my self and i leave for work at 7;00am. I get to work at 8;30 take break fast and by 9;00am am already getting started with the company work. I get in touch with our different clients respond to their problems and schedule meetings and make sure the customers are happy and satisfied with the work of our company. 

I coordinate other company activities and make sure that the various company accounts are fully functional in order to avoid traffic and collusion. My work day usually ends at 5;pm and usually i go meet my colleagues who am working with on my own private accounts or sometimes i stay in and i do some research and a little reading.

I usually get home at around 9;00 . I stay with my parents so i usually find when dinner is ready so i eat then go through my days activities and then go to bed.

Why did you choose that career path?

I love Marketing it gives me a peace of mind and also i love interacting with people and this career path would give me a great opportunity to express my self.

What are your main tasks and responsibilities at work? 

During my typical workday, I am responsible for overseeing my teams as they progress on various advertising campaigns. I check in and help them with any issues they may be having such as doing mock-ups or securing rights to different company activities. I keep in touch with clients, update them on our progress and make sure they are satisfied with the promotional materials.

What are your main challenges ?

My big Challenge is having to seat in front of the computer every day and am worried it will affect my sight and also having to deal with a big number of clients and all need maximum attention

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

Articulation, unique report designs, research and also walk through the approach of customers.

What's cool about your job?

1. I love the work environment its is less pressurizing. 
2. I love my team mates they are interesting. 
3. I love the work time schedules they are favorable.

What's not cool about your job ?

Dealing with large number of clients and they all need good work.

How did you get your current job ?

I was approached by the Chief Executive Officer of Sukuma Online and we agreed upon a partnership.

What subjects did you take in school and how have they influenced your career path ?

I did HEL/D that is History Economics Literature and Divinity 
History has helped me in my career in away that it taught me how to value people success basing on how far one has come. History has groomed me career wise in a way that some how i look back at some of the great history personalities and figure out how to behave in society and how to treat people and when you make the right choices you are successful. 
Economics has been of great importance to my career life because it taught me alot especially about the Ugandan economy and this way i can budget and plan for my finances basing on my knowledge of the economy. 
Literature was my favorite subject and it taught me a lot like how to analyze different phrases deeply , how to interact professionally with people and how to write great essays and these skills have helped me especially when dealing with customers i choose the right words that will pull them to work with my company. 
Divinity is a key and this subject helped to strengthen my morals and my respect for God so it has kept me in line and has kept me God fearing.

What is your Education to date?

I have a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management.

What aspects of your Education System have proven most important for your job?

During my time in school we were always made to wake up early like at 4:30 and i hated it and saw no point in it but at the moment i realize that it was good grooming because when you start working you have a lot of demands to meet and that means you have to be up early in order to meet all the days deadlines. 

School Clubs, these taught us how to interact with new people especially those out of our comfort zone and here we learnt how to deal with people and also learnt how to accept them and this has helped me to easily interact with people freely and openly. 

The different subjects of study were also very important despite being very many they provide one with a wide range of information and ideas and these one can refer to especially when in need of something.

What trends are you seeing in your career field ?

Basing on the fast growing technology most people are abandoning advertisement in news papers, radios and television . People are now focusing on advertising online because it is cheaper, reliable and very flexible this way one's information can reach very many people within the shortest period of time possible most people have become aware of this and are now switching to digital marketing and i believe the numbers of people using digital marketing are going to be increasing rapidly. i believe in the next 2 to 5 years majority of the Ugandans will be using digital marketing.

What are the most important personal characteristics required for the job?

One has to be out spoken and interactive

Which key people influenced your career direction?

My parents and other successful self employed people like Margarete Zziwa

What is your dream job?

I want to have something of my own created and being developed by me.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

I have been able to meet a lot of inspirational people in my life and i have acquired a lot of skill and experience.

What advise would you give someone considering this job?

I would encourage them to pursue their job because it is something one can do and it pays off and at the end of the day one can still be happy.

What kind of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

One needs to have great Marketing skills and also a certificate of Marketing from a re-known marketing Agency.

As a student, how did you cope up with the pressure to succeed / excel in class?

I had my friends and they were good people who had my back and helped through tough situations and i always looked up to my parents and elder relatives who walked me through their experiences and helped me relate.

What outside class activities did you engage in that have proved beneficial on your career path (eg clubs, sports etc) ?

I was an editor of the writer's club in My high school at Trinity College Nabbingo. And was also into sports as I was an athlete from my primary at St Theresa Namagunga till end of High school 

Any Concluding remarks?

I strongly advise students to stay in school and while there they should make the most of it read hard make a lot of new friends and mostly be respectful to the elders in school because these people can be of great importance to us in the near future. School wasn't so cool when i was there but after am out i actually see how much it has groomed to be who i am at the moment. I actually miss it.