A Scented Reminder of Why I Chose Marketing

There are moments in your journey that remind you you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. My visit with DSM-Firmenich was one of those moments. It reminded me that marketing isn’t just about selling products, it’s about creating connection, meaning, and emotion.

DSM-Firmenich treats fragrance as much more than scent. It’s memory, identity, and storytelling. They emphasized that consumer insights go far beyond someone saying “it smells good.” To truly understand what people feel, they use visuals and emotional associations to help bring those reactions to life.

I was especially fascinated by how trends shift. A scent that isn’t right for one market today may become a breakthrough in another tomorrow. A hidden gem in one culture can eventually become a global signature. Timing, context, and emotional relevance are everything.

They also introduced a powerful framework that reframed how I view product experience:

• Expectation = Demand (Product)

• Experience = Amplify (Fragrance)

• Feelings = Express (Emotions)

• Belief = Brand

Even for something like a cleaning product, there’s an emotional layer that deserves attention. Fragrance is a tool to heighten that experience and build stronger connections between consumers and brands. What truly moved me was how DSM-Firmenich brought our group’s fragrance idea to life, not just once but through two carefully developed scent versions. It wasn’t just execution; it was collaboration. They made us feel heard, understood, and valued.

I walked away with more than a warm appreciation for fragrance. I left with a renewed appreciation for myself and for the path I’ve chosen. This is exactly why I chose marketing: to help people feel seen and appreciated through the products and stories we create. DSM-Firmenich didn’t just teach me about fragrance. They reminded me of the power of empathy, insight, and creativity in building unforgettable brand experiences.