Curiosity was not something Job Kasten Saliente set out to monetize. It was simply how he approached work from the very beginning. But over time, that curiosity—paired with discipline and continuous learning—became the foundation of a career that grew from a college internship into trusted leadership in sales and marketing.
Saliente’s journey began while he was still in college. After completing his internship, a marketing agency noticed his potential and brought him on as a part-time Marketing Assistant. At that point, he admits his understanding of the field was still limited.
“At that time, my knowledge of sales and marketing was still very limited,” he says.
What he did have was an eagerness to learn. That curiosity expanded quickly when he transitioned into a Marketing Communications role shortly after graduation. The shift exposed him to strategy, client engagement, and execution—far beyond the basics he started with.
“Everything broadened when I transitioned into a Marketing Communications role shortly after graduation,” he explains.
Over six years in that role, Saliente developed not only technical competence but a deeper understanding of how marketing actually works in practice. What kept him engaged was not the tools or platforms, but the people behind every campaign.
“What motivates me most is the opportunity to communicate with individuals, understand their needs, and provide meaningful solutions through the right products or services,” he says.
That people-first mindset eventually led him into freelancing, where he took on work as a Marketing Consultant for a private institution. The move marked a shift from execution to accountability. Results now depended on trust, clarity, and long-term value.
Several milestones confirmed that growth. Client acquisition and retention, speaking engagements, and strategic consultations became recurring outcomes—not because of aggressive selling, but because of relationships built over time.
“Some of the milestones that I am most proud of include successfully acquiring and retaining clients, delivering speaking engagements, and providing strategic marketing consultations,” he shares.
A pivotal moment in his professional development came when he earned his Certified Marketing Professional (CMP) designation through SMI International. Alongside certifications and courses from globally recognized learning platforms, the CMP strengthened his strategic mindset and expanded his industry perspective.
“Earning my CMP designation through SMI, along with pursuing certifications and online courses from globally recognized learning institutions, has played a significant role in shaping me as a Marketing Professional,” Saliente says.
Those credentials were not about titles, but about readiness. They helped him transition into more strategic and leadership-oriented roles with confidence.
“These learning experiences strengthened my strategic mindset, broadened my industry perspective, and equipped me with the competencies needed to navigate an ever-evolving marketing landscape,” he adds.
Today, Saliente serves as a Regional Marketing Communications Officer for a curriculum solutions company while continuing his work as a Marketing Consultant. His day-to-day work revolves around client engagement, understanding business needs, and translating those needs into clear, compelling marketing messages.
“A typical day for me involves engaging with clients and potential clients—addressing their concerns, understanding their needs, and communicating how our products and services can support their goals,” he explains.
What he finds most rewarding about the field is not visibility, but impact.
“Being able to provide solutions through our products and services, and seeing how these impact clients positively, is truly rewarding,” he says.
That trust often shows itself in subtle ways—renewed contracts, referrals, and invitations to speak.
“It is especially fulfilling when the relationship we’ve built is so strong that it becomes a key factor in their continued trust and partnership,” Saliente notes.
He is also optimistic about how technology is reshaping the industry, particularly the rise of AI—when used with intention.
“Since its inception, AI has proven to be a valuable tool for businesses and professionals alike,” he says. “When leveraged effectively, it has the potential to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and make both work and customer experiences significantly more efficient.”
Saliente credits SMI International for supporting his continued growth—not just through certification, but through access to learning, networks, and professional opportunities.
“Being a part of SMI has significantly shaped my professional journey by enhancing my credentials, broadening my knowledge, and opening opportunities for consultation inquiries,” he says.
Looking back, the path from intern to trusted marketing leader was not driven by shortcuts or titles. It was built on curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning.
“Hospitality is not just work—it’s who you are,” he once learned. For Saliente, that philosophy applies just as strongly to marketing: serve sincerely, stay curious, and trust will follow.
