This Thanksgiving weekend, I reflected a lot on what I am thankful for in 2022. It’s impossible to sum up everything, but if I had to choose one thing to be extra grateful for this year, it’s Integrity. Being a recent college graduate, the process of finding a job was daunting with imposter syndrome consuming my thoughts. One networking meeting after the other, I was determined to find a place where I could find the most professional growth, even though my confidence was fading. My last meeting was scheduled with a lady referred to me by a family friend. Little did I know, this is where my journey with Integrity would begin.
This lady sitting across from me happened to be Project Lead Lisa Grimm. Her knowledge about agency life and the importance of bulldoggedness in career life was so inspiring to me. Next thing I knew, I was in the Lego conference room interviewing with Ed. Throughout my process of just initial contract work, Lisa was constantly pushing me to advocate for myself with confidence so I could show what value I could bring to the team. Sooner than I knew it, I was offered a full time position. Without Lisa’s mentorship and confidence in my ability to kill every assignment, I would not be where I am today.
Having almost completed my first month as a Content and Digital Marketing Strategist at Integrity, words cannot describe how fortunate I am to have landed with such an awesome team. How amazing is it to be part of a community that values every voice and opinion, all while sharing a passion for self improvement? Every day I step into the office, I am constantly surrounded by the most supportive team who provides the best mentorship possible for a recent college graduate. They have already taught me so much, but the most important concept is how to experiment, fail, learn, and repeat. Brian, Lisa, Ed, and John, I really owe it all to you. YOU are the reason I am here! This opportunity is something I could have only dreamed of, and now my dream is a reality, that’s cool $h*t!
As this is just the beginning of my career with Integrity, I can’t wait to see what the future holds! I can definitely say that I am not only a better team member, but also a better person now that I am part of the Integrity family. To everyone else at Integrity, each and every one of you has made me feel welcomed and valued, while having some fun along the way. Your insight and constant willingness to help me succeed with your kick-ass talent means the world. Our outstanding team of UX designers, developers, digital marketing strategists, and program leads is something I am beyond proud to be a part of. It’s only up from here!
At the end of the day, using AI comes down to finding a balance—leveraging for productivity without losing the skills that give our work depth and personality.