In Conversation Series: Suneet Lamba, Marketer

Candid Interview with Indian Immigrant who is an Entrepreneur, Marketing Professional, Baker, Designer and what not. Read On to know more.

Tell me a little about your background?

I am a Marketing & SEO professional with over 5 years of experience in e-commerce, B2B, & B2C industry. I did my school & undergrad in India after which I moved to Canada. I went to Seneca for a Post-Grad Certificate in Corporate Communications and joined the Canadian workforce right after.

Why did you choose Marketing as a Career?

I studied Journalism & Mass Communication for my undergrad, a part of which was Marketing Communications. It was something I enjoyed doing, and something I was good at. So I decided to pursue it as my career.

How has your experience been, moving to Canada?

Canada is a wonderful country and is exactly what I expected if not more. It was a wee bit difficult settling in, especially in the initial few months- but who is it easy for? I enjoy the work-life balance, the gorgeous lakes and falls, and the snow too! Couldn’t have asked for better.

What do you think about the cultural differences between both countries?

Well, India is a diverse country with people of various faiths, languages, and thousands of dialects live in unity. So is Canada. Both the countries don’t have “a” culture, but an amalgamation of cultures that coexist in harmony. The countries are quite a similar culture wise- where India has cricket, Canada has ice-hockey.

What are your views about the education systems in both countries?

A lot has changed in the Indian education system since I graduated. But from my experience back then and my experience of education in Canada- I feel the Canadian education system is focused more on developing cognitive and practical skills, while Indian education is more academic.

What are your tips for newcomers and job seekers coming to Canada?

Be proactive. Never feel like you are not good enough, and that you don’t have Canadian Experience so you won’t be able to get a good job. A lot of newcomers hold themselves back with these thoughts and aren’t able to be proactive. Most employers are looking for skillful people, Canadian experience or not. Persistence is key.

Would you give me some sense of the relevancy of an internship/volunteer work for students?

Interning and volunteering, both offer great learning opportunities for individuals. Volunteering is not only good for society but also for the individual participating. I volunteered for so many events with the Canadian Public Relations Society, and made so many valuable and meaningful connections with people, it is wonderful. If you come across a volunteering opportunity and you have the time for it, I would say go for it.

Tell us something about your job, what happens in a day of work?

No one day at my work is the same. There’s so much happening at such a fast pace, it is hard to keep a track. I start my day 8 by reading magazines such as the SEO Journal. Then, I start checking boxes for my ongoing marketing projects. It is very crucial to be organized else working in a fast-paced environment, I could lose track of things and be all over the place which would do nothing but decrease productivity.

What are the critical elements, one has to keep in mind while looking for a job in marketing?

Build a good resume. Many people undersell themselves on their CVs. It is okay to brag your skills. Be persistent. Apply, Apply, Apply.

What are your views about Covid-19 affecting the job market in Canada?

If I say I feel it would get better soon, I would be lying. COVID-19 has messed up the economy. We are all trying to hold together, the government is trying to help. But the damage done by COVID will be seen and felt for at least the next few years – IMO.

So many businesses have shut down. Millions of people are out of work. So of course, we will see a lot of competition when things start getting better. It could get hard to find jobs, so people will need to be creative to stand out from the competition.

Wish it wouldn’t happen, but que sera sera.

Which portals would you recommend newcomers to seek jobs?

LinkedIn and Indeed. 

You work full time, owns an agency and recently started baking, how do you manage all of it at once?

The key is proper planning & focus. I start my day at 6. I am able to finish my freelance work (of course I take help from other freelancers) by the time my day job starts. During those 8 hours- I’m completely focussed on that job.

I like to bake, it’s therapeutic for me – so all my rec time goes into baking – it doesn’t feel like another thing I have to do. It’s fun. Follow her on Insta for best cake inspiration in the city- @forheavencake_sauga

How has the journey been of an employee and an entrepreneur?

There have been plenty of sleepless nights, there still are, and I am expecting more to come. Bring it on already.

Any last thoughts about marketing as a career in general? How should the newcomers prepare themselves?

Keep up with the trends. Marketing is ever-evolving – especially since the digital transformation of the world. You can’t know everything, establish your expertise. Be good at many things, but be an expert for 1 thing- that’s what will make you stand out.

Connect with Suneet
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sklamba/
Instagram- @sailing.soneat @heavenscake_sauga

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