KIMIA MARZBAN // ABROAD SERIES
ABROAD is aN interview series from &PLEASURE spotlighting the next gen building careers overseas across fashion, PR, marketing, e-commerce, beauty and the wider creative and tech industries.
Name: Kimia Marzban
Handle: @kimiamrzbn
Job Title:Senior Marketing Manager @ TikTok Shop
Workplace: TikTok
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Europe
Industry: E-commerce & Tech
What does a Senior Marketing Manager at TikTok Shop do?
I lead product marketing and growth strategy for TikTok Shop’s shipping solutions across the UK and Europe, focusing on how sellers use TikTok Shop’s delivery and fulfilment systems to support purchases made directly through the platform. TikTok Shop is already active in those markets, but hasn’t launched in Australia yet!
What visa pathway did you take (if any), and what kind of financial preparation would you recommend before making the move?
I was under 30 when I moved, so the Working Holiday Visa was an option. But I also knew that for expats with sponsorship, 30% of your salary would be tax-free. So I made sponsorship the priority and kept the WHV option as a backup. I looked up companies known to sponsor, started applying early (3 months before moving) and was upfront about the requirement from the first conversation.
On the financial side, I would aim to save 4 to 6 months of living expenses. It gives you breathing room while you find your feet. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: asking for a relocation package won't hurt your chances of getting a job. Always ask!
Biggest difference working here compared to Australia?
In Australia, Australia is usually the main market. Here, you're serving a whole continent. Every country in the EU is different despite being a two-hour flight apart, so localisation becomes a real part of the job. The upside is you travel a lot more and think bigger.
How do you stay competitive in a more saturated market?
Get really good at telling a story - your personal pitch. Connect your career and experiences into a narrative that resonates with the person across the table. When I was interviewing for my role, I had a clear through-line: ecommerce startup, my own fashion label, big tech at Uber, and most importantly a real opinion/conviction on where ecommerce was heading. I wove that into every conversation.
How did you land your first opportunity when you arrived?
I DM’d the hiring manager on LinkedIn 3 times before I was able to get an interview. They were originally looking for someone in London but luckily they were open to hiring someone in Amsterdam. If you’re a great fit for a role, it never hurts to ask if they’re flexible on location, oftentimes they’re willing to make it work for the right person.
