Entrepreneurship, leadership, continuous growth, and the ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment are today inseparable from a successful career. The story of VILNIUS TECH alumna Alvyde Palaimaite shows that the courage to try, creative problem-solving, and connections formed during studies can become a strong foundation for an international career.
Today, Alvyde holds a responsible position at the European Marketing Confederation and vividly remembers her first lessons in her parents’ business as well as through the experience of the student representation. We speak with Alvyde about her professional transformation, the teachers who believed in her, and the modern specialist’s need for constant change.
Alvydė Palaimaitė
Alvyde, let’s briefly go back to your student years. You completed a bachelor’s degree in International Relations Management and later a master’s degree in International Business at VILNIUS TECH. Why did you choose these studies and this university?
From an early age, I observed and contributed to my parents’ small business, so I realized quite early that one day I would want to also create my own. In 2004, when choosing my studies, I understood that modern business requires not only managerial but also technological knowledge. That is why I chose VILNIUS TECH, which offered the opportunity to combine these fields.
How do you remember your student years today?
I am a very active person, so I quickly got involved in both my study group and the student representation. I especially enjoyed the team in the student representation as we were full of meaningful ideas. Although we had a minimal budget, we still managed to implement many wonderful projects. Even then, I realized that with a good team nothing is impossible!
What knowledge, skills, or values acquired at university do you consider the most important in your professional work today?
The knowledge and practice in management, economics, technology, and finance acquired during my studies were also useful when I started working. The university taught me how to search for information, systematize it, and solve problems creatively. These skills are still valuable today.
Alvydė Palaimaitė
Interestingly, during my bachelor’s studies I focused on institutional management, choosing the field of international relations management. In my second year, I became marketing manager of the student representation, and during my master’s studies I chose international business. At the time, I did not expect or plan that I would work in this field in the future. While finishing my master’s studies, I created the international startup Beta.lt, which I successfully sold. Then I started looking for meaningful projects and got involved in the non-governmental sector: I led the Lithuanian Marketing Association (LiMA) for 8 years, and now I serve as Executive Director of the European Marketing Confederation.
Both my parents’ example and my studies showed that the most important thing is to believe in what you do, work consistently, and never give up, because there are no situations without solutions. I am a dedicated person, and a strong value base is very important to me, so I am glad that my experience allows me to choose meaningful projects. Of course, wherever you go, the most important thing is the team. I am extremely happy that I met so many wonderful people at the university with whom I still keep in touch, collaborate, and support each other.
How did your first steps after graduation look? Was it difficult to enter the labor market?
While representing the student organization, I actively contributed to organizing Career Days, so I was already noticed by potential employers during my studies. Because of this, after graduation I did not need to look for a job myself – several companies participating in the events offered me positions. However, I chose to work in a newly established marketing and communication company because, aiming to create my own business in the future, I wanted to see closely how a company is built and learn from real situations and others’ experience.
Alvydė Palaimaitė
What is your relationship with the university today?
During my studies I met many excellent lecturers and fellow students, some of whom I still communicate with today. One of the most significant experiences was working with my bachelor’s and master’s thesis supervisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asta Radzeviciene. Her highest-level professionalism, attention to quality, sincerity, and ability to reveal a student’s potential – sometimes believing in them more than they believe in themselves – led not only to excellent results but also to a long-term friendship. She was and remains an example of a personality of a great lecturer and mentor for me. For many years, through LiMA, we were partners of VILNIUS TECH, and today I actively contribute to the university community as an alumna.
You are the Executive Director of the European Marketing Confederation. Alvyde, what decisions or experiences were essential in reaching your current position?
For eight years I represented the European Marketing Association (EMC) and was a member of its board. Three years ago, I became EMC Vice President, and last year I became Honorary Member. Throughout these years, together with the team, we significantly contributed to the organization’s growth, created and implemented various projects. Therefore, it is especially meaningful for me to return to the organization and become part of its administration, as this role will allow me to further develop initiatives more effectively, strengthen member growth, and contribute to the advancement of the marketing profession internationally.
Alvydė Palaimaitė
How do you evaluate current marketing trends, and how will they change in the future?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is influencing the marketing and advertising sectors, so those who can effectively use AI tools in their work will gain the greatest advantage. This will not only increase efficiency but also strengthen the role of marketing within organizations and create even greater value for consumers.
What skills are becoming especially important for young professionals today?
In the age of artificial intelligence and digitalization, critical thinking, creativity, values, curiosity, and continuous learning are more important than ever. It is said that today’s students will change about five professions during their lifetime, so I encourage everyone to choose what they like, learn a lot, and pursue their dreams.
Prepared by: Kristina Lazickiene
