Curious about the journey from freelancing to full-time employment at Magic? Join us as we delve into how a Gen Z professional like Amber Mendoza transitioned from a freelance VA to a regular employee, and how embracing Magic’s PLOW values has influenced her work approach. Discover the key peers, mentors, and leaders who have played a pivotal role in helping her integrate into the Magic workplace culture and environment. Let’s explore this exciting journey with Amber together!
Question 1: What initially drew you to pursue freelance or extended workforce opportunities with Magic?
I was a working student back in 2020, looking for something that could support my needs and education with good pay. I needed to prepare in case my scholarship was not approved, which is why I chose to be a freelancer. Why Magic? Because Magic believed in me. It was Magic that acknowledged my weaknesses and pushed me to be the best version of myself, continuously seeking growth. This was my first job, honestly, as a fresh graduate (batch 2023), and I did not feel any toxicity. All I felt was a healthy environment with supportive peers, and that’s why I fell in love with Magic.
Question 2: Can you briefly walk us through your journey from freelancing to being brought on as a full-time employee at Magic?
To be honest, I started my journey at Magic back in 2020 as a freelance VA. I was a newbie and didn’t know anything about freelancing or being an Executive Assistant. All I knew at that time was that I needed a job, so I applied at Magic and they hired me as a VA. They believed in me when no one else did. After my contract ended with Magic, I moved on to other jobs. Then, on a random day, I applied once again. I can still remember that day – it was my graduation, August. Magic called me in the middle of my college graduation, offering me a new job. Unfortunately, I was not hired, but as Taylor Swift said, “August slipped away like a bottle of wine.” Fast forward, I saw a posting that they were looking for a technical recruiter. As a fresh graduate with no experience in recruiting, I applied. And guess what? After 4 months of being a freelancer, I am now a regular employee at Magic.
Question 3: What were the key factors or impressions that made you want to join Magic’s core team after your initial freelance experience?
To be honest, I started my journey at Magic back in 2020 as a freelance VA. I was a newbie and didn’t know anything about freelancing or being an Executive Assistant. All I knew at that time was that I needed a job, so I applied at Magic and they hired me as a VA. They believed in me when no one else did. After my contract ended with Magic, I moved on to other jobs. Then, on a random day, I applied once again. I can still remember that day – it was my graduation, August. Magic called me in the middle of my college graduation, offering me a new job. Unfortunately, I was not hired, but as Taylor Swift said, “August slipped away like a bottle of wine.” Fast forward, I saw a posting that they were looking for a technical recruiter. As a fresh graduate with no experience in recruiting, I applied. And guess what? After 4 months of being a freelancer, I am now a regular employee at Magic.
Question 4: How has the transition from freelancer to full-timer impacted your approach to work, and how have you embraced Magic’s PLOW values since joining full-time?
Yes, there were challenges, especially when I started working at Magic as an internal employee, simply because I didn’t have any background in it. I lacked work experience related to the role, but I believe I am a real-life example of an employee who embodies the PLOW Values. I was truly willing to learn and take on new challenges, pushing myself to go beyond what was asked of me because I felt the support. I had the mindset of “I will do my best because the support I receive is incredible.” The transition wasn’t difficult because Charm, Gela, Mitch, and the rest of the team guided me through the journey, especially Gela. I would constantly annoy her every day, and yet she would still patiently answer my questions.
Question 5: Who has been an awesome peer, mentor or leader in helping you integrate into the Magic workplace culture and environment?
I dedicate this success to Gela, Mitch, Excel, Angela (from the teams, hahaha), Charm, and Jan. If it weren’t for Charm and Jan, I wouldn’t have been able to get this job; if it weren’t for Angela, I wouldn’t have met Gela. If Excel hadn’t pushed me on my first day to try matching already, I don’t know how I would have been able to adjust to this fast-paced environment. And if it weren’t for Gela and Mitch, I don’t think I could survive my day-to-day here at Magic. And, of course, how could I forget about the rest of my team? Glai and Ems (night chikas even though I’m out!), Jayco, Jemm, and Kara, thank you for lending me your assistance, hahaha.
Question 6: How do you spend your free time outside of work?
Outside of work, what I usually do is annoy my dog, hahaha. I love my doggo so much; he is a Pomeranian. Although he is not a clingy and sweet type of dog, I know he loves me. And if I don’t annoy my dog, I love going to a coffee shop with my friends. We love hanging out together. Additionally, I love coffee and matcha.
Amber’s story, as a true Gen Z who is highly self-reliant, highlights how belief, support, and facing challenges can fuel personal growth. Her journey underscores the resilience, adaptability, and positive influence of mentors and peers within her generation. Through Amber’s experience, we witness the value of dedication and a growth-focused mindset in navigating career changes and seizing opportunities for personal development, ultimately striking success.