This month’s spotlight features Henok Misgina, Manager, Global Business Group at Meta. Read on to learn more about Henok and his successful career in tech.
Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role.
I’m fortunate to lead a Retail team within the sales group at Meta. Internally, the responsibilities include team/personnel development, creating retail sales strategy, and achieving revenue goals. Externally, our number one focus is helping our clients grow their business through FB and IG marketing. This includes providing creative guidance, audience insights, and media strategy. If you see a retailer in your IG feed, there’s a good chance my team is supporting them.
How did you decide this was the right career path for you? What drew you to the tech space?
It paid the bills! Also, I appreciate the fast pace and innovative nature of tech. There is constant change which keeps things interesting. Also, tech has the ability to be a great equalizer in society. I like being able to use my knowledge to help others achieve their goals.
What skills have you found vital for your success in tech? How did you learn them?
- Flexibility: in the tech space things move fast. So you need to be able to pivot quickly and handle constant change
- Work with ambiguity: many times it can feel like you’re trying to build and fly the plane at the same time. Regardless, you still need to develop your plan and deliver results
- Learning mindset: as products, company priorities, and consumer behavior evolves, you have to continue to learn and stay on trends
- Flexibility and working in ambiguity: I probably developed this being an immigrant child. The learning mindset is something I continue to work on. I now set time blocks for self education to help me.
How are businesses using social media to grow?
In so many ways! Launching brands, increasing customer bases, driving sales. Businesses of all sizes use social media as their digital storefront. The ability to connect with billions of people across the world with your mobile device has helped create millions of new companies. I love seeing various Eritrean, Ethiopian, and minority owned businesses and nonprofits use social media. Building brand awareness (and community!), engaging customers, driving website traffic, generating sales. There’s so much opportunity when the platforms are used correctly.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your career?
Most rewarding is learning & growing with my team, helping my clients succeed, and the free food. Love the free food. Most challenging is making sure to balance life outside of work. Also, there are significant diversity and gender disparities in tech that need improvement.
How do you think about balance?
This is important and has evolved for me. While work is an important aspect of my life, I find I’m at my best when I also pursue other activities that bring me joy. So I create a schedule and life that prioritizes this as best as possible.
Is there a philosophy that drives your career?
Git up, git out, and git something. Also, always remember to reach back as you climb throughout your career.
To date, what is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Working at Comedy Central. Specifically, I loved helping brands bring creative ideas to life across some of my favorite programs like The Daily Show and Colbert Report. We also got access to watch the live tapings! A close second was working at Circuit City in the CD/DVD department with my homie Sam. So many memories!
What advice would you give someone looking to transition into your line of work?
Network with folks in the space. Understand the skills required for the job and how you can provide unique value. Begin applying, connect with people on linkedin, EDN, go to job fairs.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun?
Travel, food, youtube and IG blackholes, hanging with the family. I also try to stay physically active. It helps manage the day-to-day crazy!