Samira Mellenbergh, Class of 2013

Hi Samira! You graduated from Amsterdam School of International Business (AMSIB) with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Management in the year of 2013, what have you been up to since your graduation?

You work as a Sr. Digital Account Executive at Salesforce. Can you walk us through a typical day in your professional life?

Absolutely! My day as a Senior Digital Account Executive at Salesforce is quite dynamic. I start with a walk together with our dog and an online Pilate class, then plan my day over breakfast, reviewing objectives and customer meetings. My day involves engaging with customers, showcasing Salesforce’s solutions, and developing tailored digital strategies. I collaborate with an internal extended team and external partners to ensure our customer’s success. We all use Salesforce to analyse data and make informed decisions with AI support. Building strong customer relationships is key, and I live by Salesforce’s core values of Trust, Customer Success, Innovation, and Equality in every interaction.

Reflecting on your time at AMSIB, what are the key take-aways from your studies that you find useful in your career and day to day life?

AMSIB taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me every day. Working with classmates from around the globe highlighted the importance of inclusivity and considering diverse perspectives.

Real business case assignments, such as a project with ING and Google where we tackled a digital marketing problem, encouraged me to think outside the box and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues. The emphasis on methodologies provided a solid foundation for effectively using knowledge in complex scenarios.

These experiences have shaped my ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate effectively in my professional life.

During your experience at AMSIB, can you recount a particularly memorable moment or period that stands out as your favourite?

One of the highlights of my AMSIB experience was my exchange program and internship abroad. Studying at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok was unforgettable—the warm Thai hospitality, the delicious food, and their unique daily life were incredibly enriching. My internship in Sydney was equally memorable. Living with a host family and experiencing the Aussie work mentality and lifestyle gave me new perspectives. I was surprised by the hierarchical work culture in my internship company, which contrasted with the Dutch approach where everyone, regardless of position, collaborates as equals. This enriched me both personally and professionally.

If you had the chance to tweak or enrich one aspect of your experience at AMSIB, what would it be and why?

If I could tweak one aspect of my AMSIB experience, it would be to incorporate more opportunities for hands-on, real-world projects. While the curriculum was excellent, additional practical experiences like internships or live case studies with businesses could further enhance the learning process and better prepare students for the business world. For example, working on a project with companies like Rituals, or Philips, addressing their global marketing strategies, would provide invaluable insights and real-world experience that complement theoretical learning.

Considering your journey and experiences, what advice would you offer to current students navigating their academic and professional paths?

My advice for current students: Embrace the diversity around you and learn from your classmates; it’ll prepare you for the global business environment. Seek out practical experiences through internships and real-world projects to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Build strong relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals, as networking is crucial for career growth. Stay curious and keep learning, as the business world is ever-changing. Be resilient and adaptable to overcome challenges. Finally, benchmark yourself against others both personally and professionally, keeping an open mind to learn from their achievements.

As an established professional and alum, what wisdom or guidance would you share with fellow alumni as they embark on their own careers?

Enjoy the journey and relish your time as a student—it’s filled with unique learning opportunities. Embrace lifelong learning and continue expanding your knowledge, as the skills you gain now are invaluable. Keep a balanced approach between fun and learning; it’s okay to step away from homework and projects to recharge. This balance is essential both during your studies and in your career. Maintain connections with classmates and professors; these relationships can be instrumental in your career. I still speak to one of my Thai professors and meet up whenever we visit each other’s countries. Surround yourself with inspiring people!

Lastly, to add a bit of fun to our conversation, could you share an interesting or quirky fact about yourself that others might not know?

Sure, here’s a fun fact about myself that others might not know: I absolutely love pizza and could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! That’s how much I enjoy it. Additionally, although my role is commercial and not technical, I took a Python course to enhance my problem-solving skills and understand the basics of programming. On the nerdier side, I have a passion for gadgets and new muscle cars like the latest Mustang GT, blending my love for technology with my enthusiasm for powerful vehicles.