Impact story: How volunteering with Smarketers Hub helped Patricia find confidence in her marketing journey
At Smarketers Hub, we believe that growth sometimes happens through collaboration, like getting the right feedback at the right time or seeing your work through someone else’s eyes. For Patricia, that kind of growth came through volunteering, a journey that helped her move from uncertainty to confidence in her marketing career.
For this edition of our member impact story, I spoke with Patricia Tare, a fellow Smarketers Hub volunteer who served on the Social Media track, and shared how she went from feeling confused about her career path to becoming a confident, intentional social media marketer.
Hey Patricia, tell us a bit about yourself, both as a person and as a marketer.
First of all, I’m just a normal person. I don’t think I have a long list of who I am, but I’m someone who loves to learn. I’m a social media manager, a designer, and a tech enthusiast. I’ve always loved working in tech environments; it’s where I feel most curious and challenged.
Outside of work, I am a big movie lover, but not in the way you’d expect. I watch movies to learn, not just for entertainment. I can rewatch a movie multiple times just to understand the story better.
I also love photography and DIY projects. I have a thing for art. Whether it’s a beautiful picture, a creative video, or something handmade, I love anything that feels creative.
What was your career like before joining the volunteer program?
My career before joining the program was not defined; I had interest in so many areas—project management, writing, copywriting, social media—everything!
Social media management came after I graduated from the ALX Virtual Assistant program. I was trying to specialize in something, so I made a list and tried different paths. I tried copywriting, project management, and a few others before deciding to focus on social media management.
When I started, I was so confused. I didn’t understand most of the terms or strategies. Sometimes I wanted to join big communities, but I couldn’t afford the paid ones. So I joined free ones like ConTech Africa and some Telegram groups.
My first social media role was a volunteer position with a tech startup. That was my first real project. But honestly, my early content and designs were terrible! I used a lot of AI-generated stuff, and my designs weren’t great. But I kept learning.
What made you decide to join the Smarketers Hub volunteer program?
It happened through my mentor. Earlier in the year, I had a session with her where I shared how confused I was about my career. She told me, “You already know what it means to be a social media manager; you just need real experience.”
That was what led me to Smarketers Hub. She sent me the link to apply and told me it was a great place for upcoming marketers to grow. She was right. I took it seriously from the start.
What was your first week as a volunteer like?
I was both nervous and excited. Seeing everyone and hearing their experiences made me realize I was in the right place.
It was both eye-opening and humbling. I realized there’s so much to learn, but I also realized I wasn’t alone. Everyone was figuring things out together.
How has volunteering with Smarketers Hub impacted you — skill-wise, confidence-wise, and opportunity-wise?
This program has changed a lot for me. It gave me structure, direction, and the confidence to see myself as a real marketer.
Before joining, I often doubted myself. I used to feel small, like I didn’t belong in big marketing spaces. But through this program, I’ve learned that you can start from anywhere. The important thing is to learn, contribute, and stay consistent.
Being surrounded by other driven volunteers pushed me to grow faster. Seeing people like Akhere, Subomi, and even you, Kachi, motivates me. It makes me want to do more and do better.
I also got two job offers while still volunteering. The confidence and experience I gained here made that possible.
How do you see this experience shaping your career in the future?
I see it as my foundation. This volunteer program gave me the solid base I needed to truly understand marketing, not just theory, but real, hands-on experience.
Now, I’m not afraid to step into rooms that matter. I know I can do this. Even if I’ve never done something before, I believe I can learn and deliver.
Also read — Lessons learned managing a community for three months
What advice would you give to future volunteers joining the program?
If you’re joining, be ready to contribute. You can’t grow by staying quiet or waiting to be told what to do. Step out, take initiative, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Whenever you see an opportunity to contribute, do it, even if it’s a small contribution. You never know where that small action might lead.
One more thing: network and learn genuinely. Ask questions. Connect with people. That’s how I found my mentor, and that relationship changed everything for me.
What does being a Smarketer mean to you?
Being a Smarketer means being confident enough to step out into the world, to show up even when you’re scared.
It means reminding yourself that there’s nothing you can’t achieve. Sometimes, fear or mindset can get in the way, but I’ve learned to keep telling myself, ‘You can do this.’ That’s what being a Smarketer means to me: believing in yourself and taking bold steps even when it feels uncomfortable.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the Marketers’ Room?
My favorite thing to do in the Marketers’ Room is to network. I love having conversations.
Whenever we gather, especially during our first-week community check-ins, I really enjoy listening, sharing, and connecting. It’s fun for me, and it reminds me that community isn’t just about work; it’s also about relationships.
With what you know now, how should marketers—regardless of their specialization—use community for their career growth?
To be honest, I don’t think anyone can truly succeed alone. Whatever you’re doing, whether marketing, design, or anything else, you need people.
And the kind of community you join can shape your growth. So, how should marketers approach it? By actively learning. Don’t just sit and watch. Come out, talk, ask questions, and interact with people.
If you see a volunteer opportunity, take it. Go for events, contribute, even if it feels small. You might not realize it immediately, but you’re learning valuable things: communication, administration, and teamwork. Nothing you do in a good community is a waste.
Also, see community as an investment. Invest in learning resources, contribute where you can, and stay engaged.
Also read — Impact story: How a CV review sparked a mindset shift for Sandra Tabansi
What’s the hope for the future of your career?
Whether it’s in marketing, design, or brand strategy, I see myself in tech, specifically working with companies like Cowrywise, Pinterest, Rise, Lemfi, or even bigger AI-driven brands.
I’m passionate about exploring the intersection of tech, design, and marketing. I want to continue learning, adapting, and staying open-minded enough to evolve, even if that means transitioning into new roles or tools in the future.
For me, growth is about staying curious, staying flexible, and building a career that keeps me challenged and inspired.
Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X(formerly Twitter). And join Marketers Room to engage with more like-minded professionals and build a thriving career.
