“I guess one of my biggest prides in life is being able to handle a business alongside my studies – and I finished college with flying colors.”

– Rinoa Olivar

Rinoa Olivar, Magna Cum Laude graduate in Tourism Management, blends academic excellence with hands-on experience. From her award-winning thesis on community tourism to her 98% satisfaction rate in her role, Rinoa’s journey showcases skill, growth, and grit. In this interview, she reflects on milestones shaping her early professional path.

SM: Share a pivotal moment from your internship where you felt your skills in online content creation made a significant impact?

RO: You know that weird feeling in your stomach whenever you come across someone you adore in the hallway? Well, that’s how I felt when I got accepted to take my internship at Intramuros Administration (IA). Ever since I was young, I had already plotted out what my future would look like – to work in an office setting, in front of the computer in my cute, oversized blazer and wide-leg trousers. I have always adored admin work because my mom used to take me to the office with her.

My first tasks in Intramuros were more than just paperwork. It was to work on a series of online marketing content to win back-to-back as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2023. Taking on this role comes with huge responsibilities and high pressure, especially for an intern because we’re talking about representing the Philippines here. But I also figured, this role wouldn’t have landed my way if they didn’t see my potential to take on this project.

I’m very happy to say that during my internship at Intramuros, we were able to produce 29 promotional videos – each spotlighting the different activities and attractions inside the area – even the ones that we hardly gatekeep! And that was when I realized, my career path should not just be limited to working in an office setting, in front of the computer in my cute, oversized blazer and wide-leg trousers. I was redirected to a path that I wouldn’t usually take, but it was the BEST WRONG TURN EVER!

I figured that working in a team and conversing with a lot of different people sparked a different side of my interest, and that’s something that I carry around with me every day.

SM: What do you consider the most challenging aspect of fostering business-to-client relationships, and how do you address these challenges effectively?

RO: I worked under the Business Management Division, and we were mainly responsible for creating events that would generate income for the area. I would say the most challenging part of collaborating with a lot of different businesses is that not every one of them is interested in joining your event. So, you have to draft your pitch in a way that would catch their attention in a matter of seconds. The real work is to communicate your proposal effectively according to their niche. Once you have mastered this skill, you’ll have clients looking forward to joining your events instead of having to pitch to them.

SM: Could you elaborate on a particularly successful collaboration you facilitated during your internship that contributed to the cultural and business growth of Intramuros

RO: There was a merchant in Intramuros who wanted to promote renting a Filipiniana around the area, and we were tasked with the marketing campaign. As interns, we didn’t come with professional equipment or even a decent online video editing tool. Our only resources were our phones. I remember being the actor, creative director, and even the videographer all at once since we were only a group of five people. I never expected the campaign to blow up since it was more of an internal launch, but it felt so honoring to be featured in one of the Philippines’ largest publication companies.

SM: Your profile highlights significant achievements. How have these accolades shaped your approach to your professional endeavors, particularly in client services and business relationship management?

RO: I would say what really shaped my work ethics was being a business owner at the age of 16. When I was in high school, I would look for ways to earn money to be able to fulfill things that I liked. I was never really the type to ask my parents for money, so I did my best to look for hobbies that would keep me busy. I guess this is why I started to learn the value of money at such an early age. I started out as a reseller of a clothing brand back in 2016. That stayed for a couple of around 2 years, and then it got really busy because I was entering Senior High School. When the pandemic came and everyone else was stuck at home, I took a big risk of re-entering the clothing industry, and I started venturing as a supplier for branded local tops. Little did I know, this was one of the biggest jumpstarts for my career. In just a matter of two years, I was able to grow my Facebook group to 10k – and hit over PHP 250,000 worth of sales. I guess one of my biggest prides in life is being able to handle a business alongside my studies – and I finished college with flying colors. I know this is just the start of it, but I’m thankful that I’m off to a great start. 🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆

“I never expected the campaign to blow up since it was more of an internal launch, but it felt so honoring to be featured in one of the Philippines’ largest publication companies.”

– Rinoa Olivar

Useful Link

• Connect with Rinoa Olivar via LinkedIn

Join the Conversation

Join us in celebrating Rinoa’s inspiring journey of academic and entrepreneurial success! Share your thoughts in the comments below:

1. Have you ever balanced academic pursuits with personal endeavors? Share your experience!
2. What aspect of Rinoa’s story resonated with you the most?
3. How do you strive to maintain a balance between work, study, and personal interests in your own life?

We look forward to hearing from you!

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