I Got Hired: Strategic Account Manager at Facebook

Posted on: 21 December 2022 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Amy Tamboly is an English Literature and Spanish graduate, now working as a Strategic Account Manager at Facebook.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE ROLE?

In all honesty, I stumbled across the role in my endless search for a grad role! It was a blessing and a curse that I was fairly open to different graduate schemes and opportunities beyond University. This September 2022 marks one year since I joined Facebook as an Account Manager.

I have over 40 clients in my portfolio, building and scaling their strategy and investment in paid social. This ranges from quarterly business reviews; performance & data analysis; recommended tailored & personalised product adoption on our platforms with the end goal of driving revenue for our clients.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I won't lie, the interview process was tough and long. By the time I came to interview with Facebook, I was very well-acquainted with the graduate scheme process. I must have completed over 100 applications and a handful of interviews.

Facebook started off with the bog-standard CV & Application Letter; followed by a selection of verbal and non-verbal tests, that did make me question my mathematic capability; an email response to a client issue and a self-recorded video 10 question interview. However, the most crucial and game-changer stage for me was the panel interviews with four senior directors in the company.

Each round had a different theme and topic. To align with the cliche, staying true to myself was instrumental in my conversations. I proudly drew from retail experiences and funny stories from my student jobs in hospitality & retail to support my examples. I was definitely challenged when one of the interviewers spotted that I was studying Spanish and (knowing my luck) insisted we continue a very technical interview in his mother tongue. The process concluded with a chat with the Director of Northern Europe who was very interested in my connections to Watford (his football team and hometown) - a top tip to mention it if you ever interview with him in the future!

It was a lengthy process but so worth it! I still remember being out with a friend when my phone rang to say after many months and rounds of interviews, I'd been successful! I know just how intense these interviews and graduate scheme applications can be - stick with it as I promise that phone call makes it all worth it!

YOUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE AS PART OF YOUR ROLE?

I am a big picture thinker - so sitting down with the clients, building out long term relationships to ensure they trust you and your recommendations are a huge part of my day-to-day. I've grown to love the testing and measurement analysis of the business that proves out the value Facebook has on different clients. The quarterly business reviews with each client, drawing conclusions from in-depth data and competitor benchmarks to discuss our strategic recommendations, are a huge part of the client relationship.  It is incredible to see small businesses scale and grow on the platform from your calculations and guidance.

THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR GRADUATE JOURNEY?

It was very tough joining the team as an English and Spanish graduate, and I often struggled with imposter syndrome when a variety of marketing, finance and business terms were being thrown around. But it's important to remind yourself that lingo and terminology can all be learned, as well as product knowledge, but my linguistic background served me well for the vital communication, analysis and relationship building.

TOP THREE TIPS FOR OTHER STUDENTS?

Resilience - It is draining finding time for grad programme applications as well as final year and, perhaps, even a part time job! I do recall often feeling like there was no light at the end of the tunnel but if there is one thing to remember, everything will fall into place just how it's meant to. Someone very close to me used to, and still, reminds me, hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. You will learn so much from each application and round of interviews. Stick with it, persevere, and when your offer comes through (which it will), you’ll realise why you went through the hardship!

Shine Bright - Look for that one thing about you that stands out. It may end up being something you never imagined would be your 'USP.' As small and as ridiculous as it sounds, my student job at Costa Coffee, was instrumental when talking about my experience and how I 'stood out' against the other candidates. Find your something!

Don’t Compare - Everyone is on their own path. It can be quite easy to grow worried or frustrated when applying for jobs, especially if you start to notice other people around you getting their offers. Stay happy and supportive of those around you whilst remaining focused on your own goals!

I know it’s supposed to be three, but here’s a last one - cherish those last few months at University! It's incredibly difficult balancing uni life with exams in final year but you will miss it so much when it’s gone - I know I do!!