What if an internship could do more than teach you the ropes and give you a sneak peek into the “real world”? What if it could help you discover your strengths and build your confidence? I sat down with Eduarda Cochrane, Growth Sales Development Representative (SDR) at Taboola São Paulo, who shared her experience from intern to full-time Taboolar. During our conversation, she highlighted how her first year has been more than just career growth; it’s been about becoming a confident version of herself in a supportive, encouraging, and welcoming environment.
What encouraged you to join Taboola?
I’ve always liked to watch YouTube videos, specifically for the ads (and their unique jingles)! The psychology of music in advertising made me decide to study marketing and pursue something in this space. I was applying to a mix of marketing and sales roles when I came across an internship at Taboola, and I quickly learned that Taboola was way more than digital marketing. I was offered an intern position supporting account management with upsell materials. Shortly after joining, I found that Taboola was more than working in the advertising world. It’s turned into a place where I’ve been learning to become a more well-rounded professional from a team that has my best interests, listens, and considers my career goals.
How has your team supported your growth since joining Taboola?
Taboola really knew the value of me as an intern, allowing me to work on global projects across multiple teams and have one-on-one meetings with senior-level people. This made me open my eyes to feeling like I was more than a small ant at this big corporate company. About a year into my internship, Taboola offered me a full-time position as an SDR.
I was learning more about sales, and the team took me in, inviting me to their meetings and teaching me how to pitch to clients. I really like searching for new clients, understanding how to sell, and finding a balance of what the clients need. The transition into this new role has been great timing since I’m currently in school, and one of my courses focused on consumption sciences has taught me a lot about analyzing data to tell a story. This, along with the support of my managers, Daniela Sarpi & Livia Bizinotto, has been really helpful in aligning my goals, and my manager even said to me, “You’re going to grow here.” She has created such a positive Taboola experience for me.
As you reflect on one year, what are you most proud of?
I started as a shy intern and then found my way around by talking and being myself, which is always encouraged. In the year I’ve been here, my manager has helped give me the confidence to project my voice and feel comfortable communicating with different people across the company, regardless of their seniority.
Another highlight is that I had no experience in sales before joining, and when a contract was signed, coming from a lead that I generated, it was super exciting, and my team made sure to celebrate that win.
What do you enjoy most about Taboola’s culture?
Because I’m still in school, I appreciate how Taboola has been flexible with me and has made me feel supported with all my priorities, even ones outside of work. Of course, Taboola wants results, but they don’t see you as a robot here. They understand that people have real lives doing things outside of their day jobs.
I love coming to the office and feel lucky to work at this amazing place, and I enjoy what I do. Here, I have a team and friends all in one, with people I can count on, even in my personal life. People at Taboola don’t judge you, instead, they celebrate your differences and unique qualities. There’s space here for you to be you.
From intern to full-time SDR, stories like Eduarda’s continuously solidify why Taboolars so often echo our culture of community and people. At Taboola, you’re not just here to fulfill a job but to learn from others and “add to an already amazing culture by being yourself.” Congrats, Eduarda, on a year of learning and growth, and cheers to more great experiences ahead!
To learn more about why we are consistently ranked as a great place to work, check out the Taboola Life blog. Visit our careers page and realize your potential with #TaboolaLife.
