From Junior to Mentor: My Journey at Social Star and Beyond
By Tiana Durrant
Starting out in marketing can feel overwhelming. You’ve studied the theory, but stepping into the real world without experience or guidance? That’s scary. I know, because I was in that exact position not long ago. My journey from junior to mentor at Social Star taught me that being curious and motivated to learn, together with the right support, makes all the difference in your career development.
Hi, I’m Tiana Durrant, Account Manager at Social Star. When I first joined the team, I was fresh out of university with no professional marketing experience. Fast forward 18 months, and I’ve gone from starting as an intern to managing my own portfolio of clients, leading strategies, and mentoring new interns coming into the agency. It’s been a steep learning curve, but one filled with opportunities to grow, not just as a marketer, but as a mentor too.
Journey from Junior to Mentor
When I began at Social Star, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. My very first task was sorting through Andrew’s inbox - thousands of emails that gave me a crash course into the way he worked and how the business operated. From there, I was quickly brought into client meetings, shadowing Andrew before eventually running accounts on my own.
I moved from Marketing Coordinator into an Account Manager role, which gave me the chance to step into bigger responsibilities - shaping client strategies, managing projects, and supporting the professional growth of our team. A real turning point for me was running a client’s book launch event early on. It required me to take ownership, earn trust, and confidently lead. That was the moment I realised I wasn’t just “learning the ropes”, I was stepping up into a leadership role.
Experience as a Mentor
One of the biggest changes in my role has been mentoring Julia during her internship. It was a new experience for me, and I approached it by remembering what it felt like to be in her shoes - nervous, eager, and trying to figure out how to work in a professional setting.
For me, mentoring meant providing clear direction and support, but also giving Julia room to grow. Instead of telling her exactly how to do something, I encouraged her to research, form her own ideas, and take ownership. It was about finding the balance between support and challenge, pushing her out of her comfort zone while being a safety net when needed.
The most rewarding part? Watching her build confidence, develop her own way of working, and no longer needing me as much. That’s when you know someone has grown. Of course, there were challenges such as time constraints, balancing priorities, and figuring out how much to push versus when to step back. But those challenges helped me grow as a leader, too.
Connection to CampusLife
This mentorship journey connects directly to what students in CampusLife will experience. Just like Julia had me as her mentor, CampusLife students will work alongside BYOB business owners, Andrew, and the CampusLife team who will guide, challenge, and support them as they step into the marketing world.
The difference between uni and the workplace is huge, it’s one thing to study theory, but applying it in real business settings is another. Having a mentor makes that transition smoother, giving you someone to lean on, learn from, and be pushed by. That’s exactly what CampusLife provides, real mentorship and real-world experience.
Conclusion
To any student nervous about starting their internship, my advice is simple: say yes to the opportunity and give it everything you’ve got. The entrepreneurs and mentors you’ll meet through CampusLife are passionate and driven, and that energy is contagious. You’ll be challenged, supported, and given opportunities you can’t find in a classroom.
Take every chance to learn, immerse yourself fully, and remember, you’re not doing this alone. Your mentors are here to support your journey, just like I was able to support Julia in hers.
