Based in North Jersey, Ariana Macaraig Berberabe is a communications intern at Princeton University, Corporate Engagement and Foundation Relations (CEFR). After graduating from TCNJ in 2019 with a marketing degree, Macaraig Berberabe first took a job with a non-profit, then went on to work as a graduate fellow for the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
“I had the opportunity to work ‘in person’ for 5 months before ‘work-from-home’ became a buzzword. Since then, my opportunities have been remote,” said Macaraig Berberabe. “I have been able to work ‘alongside’ co-workers across the state and meet more professionals across the country through virtual work events.”
In Macaraig Berberabe’s current position as communications intern, she recently applied her marketing skills to assist the executive producer of Engage 2021, Princeton University’s annual conference for innovation and entrepreneurship. With over 20 sessions and 80 speakers, Engage brings together researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry, and government stakeholders to accelerate the real-world impact of timely research and innovation. Macaraig Berberabe also supports website development efforts for the CEFR office.
Reflecting on the lasting impact TCNJ had on her current skill set, Macaraig Berberabe made special mention of three courses: Advertising, Cross-Cultural Management, and Marketing & Public Policy. She especially utilizes skills in data visualization, public speaking, project management, competitor analysis, cross-cultural competence, among others.
In addition to her work experience, Macaraig Berberabe had roles in many organizations, including serving as president of TCNJ Barkada, the Filipino-American student organization; being a domestic student ambassador for the International Living-Learning Community; and in 2020, serving on the board of directors for Hackensack Organization for Latino Alumni (HOLA).
Outside of work, Macaraig Berberabe enjoys her virtual language classes, where she practices conversational Filipino with people from other states, and she loves watching Jeopardy!: “Adulting is saying the wrong answer with confidence and being humble enough to learn the right answer! The search for a new host had me at the edge of my seat.”
Advice to students: “Always write down your goals, no matter how big or small. This list will always grow and evolve. I surprise myself in the ways I’ve achieved my list. And extend yourself grace. This habit will always reward you tenfold.”
