Where did you grow up?
I was born in Arkansas but moved around a bit when I was small. I lived in South Dakota and Ohio before settling back in Northeast Arkansas.
Where did you go to school?
I graduated with a BS in Marketing Management from Arkansas State University in 2016.
Brag about your family.
Right now, I have a small family. My husband, Matt, and I will soon be celebrating 9 years of marriage, which is bananas to think about. Instead of children, we have a zoo. We have 2 cats, 2 ferrets, and 1 dog. Their names are Toulouse, Peach, Zero, Freya, and Chappie respectfully.
What do you do for fun?
I love to travel. My favorite places are the Smoky Mountains, Hawaii, and Disney World. At home, I enjoy reading, playing video games, riding my bike, and hanging out with my friends.
What was your first job?
My first job was ushering at the local movie theater. That is actually where I met Matt.
What is your dream job?
I would love to be an official Salesforce Administrator. With Optus’ help, I have gotten my admin certification and I am continuing to train and gain experience.
What is something very few people know about you?
I have always wanted to write a novel. I have the story in mind and everything- I just need to sit down and do it.
What quote/motto do you live by?
“To err on the side of kindness is seldom an error.” — Liz Armbruster.
Tell us your Optus story. When did you start and what position? Have you moved positions/jobs?
I started in mid-2016, right out of college, as a Sales Account Manager. After 3 years, I found that sales wasn’t my calling. While working in sales, I found my passion in finding better, more strategic ways to do my job and help my colleagues. This lead me to my current blended role of Digital Marketing and Sales Analyst.
What is your official job title?
Digital Marketing and Sales Analyst
What SHOULD your job title be?
Reporting Wizard
Describe your day to day job.
Day to day, my job is flexible with different projects or initiatives. Overall, my job is to enable my colleagues to do their jobs efficiently and give them the tools to make strategic decisions. I work primarily with sales, marketing, and IT, but I also collaborate with other departments.
What is one thing that Optus does better than any other employer you have had in the past?
Optus has been very encouraging in regards to my career growth and my needs as a person- not just an employee.
Tell us about one learning or growth opportunity you have had while working at Optus.
Optus has been very invested in my growth. As I said before, I started in sales, but I knew it was not for me. Once I had the discussion with my manager about what I was interested in, I was given a mentor, had regular discussions with leadership about my career path at Optus, and was given training opportunities to guide me to that path. Even since I got the job I was aiming for, I have been given lots of support for the types of training and practice I need to continue to grow.
What do you like most about working at Optus?
What I really like about Optus is the camaraderie. I feel comfortable talking to anyone at any level of the organization which makes my job easier and more enjoyable. Bonus: I get to wear jeans.
Have you received recognition from Optus on a job well done? If so, what was the recognition?
Every quarter, Optus gives out VIP awards to employees that go above and beyond. I have received this award twice since starting my new role and it has really validated the feeling that the work I enjoy makes an impact.