Balancing the Grind with Emily Yin, Marketing Intern at American Express

Emily Yin is a Marketing (Commercial Strategy) Intern at American Express, where she is part of a team creating and enabling holistic strategies for the corporate card’s clients.

1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?

I’m currently working as a Marketing (Strategy and Business Planning) Intern at American Express, whereby I work in a team to create and enable holistic strategies for our corporate card’s clients.

My background has mainly been in the creative industry, as we move towards a more interdependent field which involves PR, events and digital marketing, I have gratefully accepted diverse roles across the board.

Working in PR exposed me to the power of media and the vast amounts of client’s agency life brings; as I worked with Empire State Building, Athena Home Loans, Beauty Blender and more!

Being curious about real estate and property development since my dad passed on his handyman knowledge, I was lucky enough to work with Crown Group Holdings and build customer loyalty through events during Christmas and the New Year.

2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?

My day starts off with either a podcast or a scroll through social media and a cup of tea. I do this to feel engaged with what’s happening around me especially during this period where brands are showcasing their true values … And that’s the closest to routine I will get.

As a strategic planner, I tend to have several mini and large projects I work on whereby I have to start by looking at the present, reflecting on the past and projecting a prospective future which can bring increase colleague and customer engagement.

Every day is unique in itself and I truly believe in adapting and controlling your day to the best of your abilities. From check-ins with my leader to a virtual coffee catch-up or a schedule full of back-to-back meetings, I try to finish off the day with a sunset walk/run along my local beach.

There’s something about the sun setting and the arrays of colours which brings hope and happiness and is a nice way to end off the 9-5 grind.

3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?

Despite being an internship, my current role has allowed me to work from home and it has actually allowed me to take more control of my day-to-day plans.

The onus is on me to make the day worth it and being able to be at home with my mum, cook a meal and avoid peak hour traffic has been a blessing.

4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?

I do believe the equilibrium constantly changes and addressing our personal/social needs is pivotal. I tend to be discipline with a work planner (separating work and personal goals in a table) whilst also being open to different hobbies and personal projects I can start on; from editing a little travel vlog to learning a new TikTok dance.

Do what you love and be passionate about it, and work-life balance will come.

5) What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?

My philosophy is to always ask questions whether it is a simple ‘how are you?’ to interrogating decisions made and reflecting off feedback loops.

This allow me and my team to move forward in the right direction by being more aware of the motives and visions of clients or customers.

Alone time away from the screens really calms me down and helps me prioritise the most important parts of my life. I love to spend my time watching travel vlogs to find something and somewhere I have ought to discover.

Always reflect on others success and experiences to help you pave for your own.

6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?

I am currently hooked on the podcast: What the Flux, a quick 5-minute business update with an add of humour. It is not only easy to consume but it puts me in an analytical mindset in the morning.

Growing up, Asian representation was minimal and judged no matter the medium, however the podcast AsianBossGirl shares the stories of three motivational Asian Americans in a casual conversation.

A simple listen to this podcast makes me proud of the movements which have occurred during my lifespan and my motivations to be included in the next generation of Asian representation, even in business success.

7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?

Sleep. A simple thing we take for granted when a good Netflix show is recommended to us but without a goodnights rest, I know my productivity levels will be jeopardised.

8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?

Michelle Obama. From the streets of Chicago to the White House, I have always been curious about the balance between political opinions, family and personal life. She has lead by example to her children, woman and the generations to come, even as the first lady!

9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?

Don’t compare your work life balance to others. Each and every one of us have different circumstances, passions and work. Continue working on your own path to finding balance.

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