Bright Komor

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

From Registered Nurse to Digital Marketer: A Journey of Transformation My career began in the healthcare field as a Registered Nurse (RN), where I was dedicated to providing care to patients in fast-paced environments. My time as a nurse taught me invaluable skills like effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations. However, as I progressed in my career, I realized that while I loved helping people, I wanted a new challenge—one that would allow me to explore my creativity and technological interests. This led me to digital marketing. I started taking online courses and getting certifications in areas like SEO, content marketing, and social media strategies. The transition wasn’t easy, but my passion for learning and problem-solving made it a thrilling new endeavor. I began to embrace the digital world and learned how to create engaging content that could connect businesses with their audience. It was incredibly fulfilling to see how digital tools could be used to drive results, and I was hooked. From Digital Marketing to Social Media Manager: Building Engagement After gaining experience in digital marketing, I discovered my interest in social media. I realized that managing social media accounts was a great way to merge my love for creativity with the strategic side of digital marketing. Social media management allowed me to engage with people directly, understand their needs, and create content that spoke to them. I worked on building and executing content calendars, tracking social media analytics, and creating campaigns that resonated with audiences. The role pushed me to think outside the box and explore new ways to connect businesses with their customers in fun and meaningful ways. I saw firsthand how social media could build community, influence brand perception, and drive business growth. Finally, Becoming a Virtual Assistant: A New Level of Flexibility and Efficiency* As I grew in my career, I realized I could combine everything I’d learned into a single role that offered more flexibility—virtual assistance. Becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA) was the natural next step, where I could offer administrative support while helping businesses with digital marketing, social media management, and more. As a VA, I now provide services like email management, scheduling, social media updates, content creation, and even customer support. The job gives me the ability to work from anywhere while supporting entrepreneurs and businesses with their day-to-day tasks. My background in nursing has helped me approach every project with precision, patience, and the ability to stay organized, which makes me a great asset to clients looking for someone who can handle multiple tasks efficiently. From nursing to digital marketing, social media, and now as avirtuall Assistant, my career path has been anything but traditional. But each step has been driven by my desire to grow, learn, and take on new challenges. And though it hasn’t always been easy, each role has led me to where I am today, where I get to support and assist businesses while enjoying a career that offers the perfect balance of creativity and flexibility.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I didn’t always know exactly what I wanted to do, and my career has been shaped by curiosity, opportunities, and a willingness to learn. Like many people, I started off with an idea of what I wanted to do but discovered along the way that my interests and skills evolved. For example, if you had asked me years ago, I might not have imagined myself in a role like this one. I’ve always been someone who enjoys helping others, which is why I initially pursued nursing. However, over time, I realized I was also passionate about technology, creativity, and finding new ways to connect with people. That’s what ultimately led me to explore digital marketing, social media management, and eventually becoming a Virtual Assistant. I think many people’s careers are shaped by their interests, experiences, and the paths they choose to take. Sometimes you discover a passion or skill that you didn’t know you had, or life presents opportunities you hadn’t anticipated. What’s important is staying open to new possibilities and pursuing what feels right for you at any given time.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

The one piece of career advice I wish someone had given me when I was younger is to **embrace the power of networking and building relationships early on**. It’s easy to focus on getting the right qualifications or learning the necessary skills, but connecting with people, seeking mentorship, and building a supportive network can open up so many more doors. In the beginning, I didn’t fully realize how valuable relationships and connections could be in shaping my career. Over time, I’ve learned that networking isn’t just about meeting people for job opportunities; it’s about learning from others, finding support, and opening yourself up to new perspectives and opportunities that you might not have discovered on your own. So, I would tell my younger self: don’t just focus on the tasks at hand—take the time to connect with others in your field and beyond. The relationships you build today can have a big impact on your growth and success in the future.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

When my job gets tough, it can feel overwhelming at times, but it's also an opportunity for growth. There are moments when the workload is heavy, deadlines are tight, or challenges arise that require creative problem-solving. In those moments, I remind myself to take a step back, prioritize, and tackle things one at a time. The key for me is staying organized and keeping a clear focus on what needs to be done, even if it's a lot. I try to break bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, which helps me feel less stressed and more in control. I also lean on the experience I’ve gained over the years to get through tough situations. Whether it’s troubleshooting a technical issue, managing a tricky client request, or figuring out a new process, I know that with patience and persistence, I can find a solution. While the tough times can be challenging, they also remind me of why I love what I do—because even in those moments, I get to problem-solve, grow, and learn new things. The satisfaction of overcoming obstacles makes the tough times worth it!

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

The most useful piece of career advice I received as a student came from a mentor during an internship. They told me, **"Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes, because that’s how you learn and grow."** At the time, I was focused on trying to be perfect and worrying about making errors. But my mentor emphasized that experience and growth come from taking risks, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and not being afraid to fail. That advice shifted my perspective, and I realized that making mistakes isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity to learn and improve. It was incredibly freeing to understand that perfection wasn’t the goal; progress was. I’ve carried that advice with me throughout my career, and it’s helped me stay curious, flexible, and open to new opportunities.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

Yes, when I was a student, I made a conscious effort to build skills and gain knowledge outside of my formal education. One of the key things I did was **take on internships** and **volunteer opportunities**. These hands-on experiences allowed me to apply what I was learning in class to real-world situations and gain practical insights that textbooks couldn’t provide. It also helped me develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential in any career. I also spent time **reading industry-related articles, blogs, and books** to stay updated on trends and new technologies. This helped me build a broader understanding of my field and kept me informed about changes and innovations. Another way I developed skills outside of school was by **attending workshops, webinars, and networking events**. These helped me meet professionals in my field, learn from their experiences, and build connections that later became valuable in my career. Overall, those extra activities outside of school gave me an edge and played a big role in shaping the skills and knowledge I use today.

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

My first big break came when I landed my first major job opportunity after a few years of building my skills. It happened after I had spent a lot of time networking, gaining experience through smaller projects, and continuously learning. I had been volunteering for some freelance work and working part-time in a related field. One day, a mentor I’d been working with recommended me for a full-time position that aligned with the skills I had developed. The company was looking for someone with a diverse set of abilities—digital marketing, social media management, and virtual assistance—which happened to be exactly what I had been focused on in my previous roles. The process was a mix of preparation and timing. I had prepared myself by building a solid portfolio of work and gaining industry knowledge. When the opportunity came, I was ready. It wasn’t easy at first—there were challenges and a lot of learning curves—but I kept pushing through and adapting to the new environment. Looking back, it was a mixture of preparation, building a good reputation, and seizing the right opportunity at the right time. That first big break set the stage for the path I’m on now, and it taught me the importance of persistence, networking, and always being ready to step up when the chance arises.

How did you start building your network?

I started building my network by focusing on **relationships** and being genuinely interested in others. Here’s how I began: 1. **Attend Industry Events and Meetups**: Whether they were conferences, workshops, or smaller local events, I made it a point to attend as many as I could. Even if I didn’t know anyone, I’d introduce myself, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals. Those events were a great place to meet people who shared similar professional interests. 2. **Use Social Media**: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Instagram were key for me. I began by following industry professionals, engaging in discussions, and sharing relevant content. Over time, I started connecting with people online and then transitioned to building those connections in person. 3. **Reach Out for Mentorship**: I reached out to more experienced professionals for advice and mentorship. I’d express my interest in learning from their experience, and I found that most people were willing to share insights and help me along the way. A mentor can be a great way to get valuable advice while also expanding your network. 4. **Offer Help**: I made sure that networking wasn’t just about what I could get, but also what I could give. By offering help, whether it was volunteering for projects or sharing useful information, I built stronger relationships with people in my field. 5. **Be Consistent**: Building a network is about staying in touch. I made it a habit to check in with people periodically, whether it was to share an interesting article, congratulate them on a career milestone, or simply ask how they were doing. Consistency is key to building lasting relationships. By taking these steps, I was able to create a network of supportive professionals who helped me along the way and opened doors for new opportunities. It’s not about quantity; it’s about building meaningful connections.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I had to overcome was **doubting myself and my ability to transition into new fields**. When I started my career, I was set on a certain path, but as my interests evolved, I wanted to shift into areas like digital marketing and social media management, which felt completely different from my initial background. The fear of failure and imposter syndrome—feeling like I wasn't "qualified enough" or had enough experience—were major hurdles. I questioned whether I was making the right decision or whether it would even be possible to start over in a new field. To overcome this challenge, I focused on **continuous learning**. I took online courses, got certifications, and committed to gaining hands-on experience wherever I could. I realized that everyone starts somewhere, and skills can always be learned with time and practice. It was important to remind myself that the knowledge and experience I already had were valuable and transferable to these new areas. Additionally, I sought **mentorship and advice** from professionals already working in the fields I was transitioning into. Hearing their stories and realizing they had faced similar struggles helped me feel more confident in my own journey. It wasn’t easy, but by taking small steps, being patient with myself, and building up my confidence over time, I was able to push past those doubts. It made me realize that challenges are just opportunities to grow, and overcoming them helps you build resilience and adaptability.