Written by Laycee Kluin
March 29, 2022
Now that I’m a few weeks into my new position as a Digital Marketing Strategist at Marketbeat, I’m here to tell you how things have been going. Spoiler alert–I’m loving it here!
Prior to my position at MarketBeat, I had been working for a financial services company. Having started with that company as an intern in college and expanding into other positions within my three years there, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous to make this career change. Well, as you could guess since you’re reading this, I did it and I’m not looking back! I am embracing the butterflies that come with growth and throwing myself into this opportunity.
I felt welcomed before I even stepped foot in the office for my first day. The weekend prior to my start date I received a package on my doorstep filled with goodies. A MarketBeat t-shirt, stickers, treats, and even my favorite bottle of wine. Talk about making a girl feel special!
On my first day, I attended ‘MarketBeat University.’ Here, Matt gave me the rundown of all things MarketBeat and I got to hear from the rest of the team about all of the things that result in their love of working here. After that concluded, we headed over to Ode for my first of many team lunches.
So, what’s the work environment like at MarketBeat? Well, there’s the office for one. Believe me when I say this isn’t just any office. With an artsy modern feel, a variety of open-seating options, an espresso machine, and a large saltwater tank with fish friends–the office environment is definitely something I brag about to my friends and family. Oh, did I mention there’s an alarm that goes off every day that serves as a ‘reminder’ to go visit our friends over at Queen City Bakery? That has been a sweet perk of this new job!
As far as the work atmosphere goes, the support I’m receiving from the team is second to none. There is no hesitation from my peers to explain processes or answer my questions. Someone is always willing to share their tips and tricks with me. Not only are my teammates checking in to see what they can do to help me settle into the office, they show interest in me as an individual as well. By joining this team I’ve felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation. Matt has created an environment of flexibility and accountability and I’m grateful to be a part of that. One thing I really enjoy is how we start our bi-weekly team meetings. We all gather together and go around the room to say a highlight of our last couple of weeks. It’s a great way to learn more about what is going on in the lives of our coworkers outside of the office.
The encouragement to pursue growth opportunities, even within my first few days of employment has been uplifting. I’ve been given the chance to join the Young Professionals Network of Sioux Falls, attend 1 Million Cups on Wednesday mornings, and most recently the Sioux Falls Women in Business Conference. I’ve been introduced to some great people within the community and I look forward to continuing to foster those relationships.
In between all of the socializing with my new team, believe it or not, I did actually get some work done. Within my first few days, I sat down with Matt as he walked through some of the digital marketing tools I would eventually dive into. During this interaction, he told me he was going to help me become one of the best digital marketers Sioux Falls has to offer. Now that’s a lofty goal, however, I can’t help to be not only excited and motivated to learn from such a talented individual, but also empowered that he sees my potential.
I’ve already gotten to take some initiative on promotion for our MarketBeat Podcast and planning for a new staff page on our website. Reporting to Will has been great, he is quick to explain and patient while I learn. He’s been guiding me through MarketBeat’s email campaign process and letting me dig my hands into that recently.
As I’m writing this and reflecting on all that I’ve learned these past few weeks, it makes me think of something my dad always told me as a kid. When he used to drop me off at school in the morning he would always offer up this dad joke of a line that said, “Be a sponge and absorb.”
Well, dad, I’m doing just that. I am soaking up all of the knowledge! I’m excited to surround myself with skilled individuals and to be a part of a company that is so willing to invest in me to develop my talents.
So far it’s been one of the most nerve-wracking, exciting, educational, FUN experiences of my life– and it’s only just the beginning. I can’t wait to look back on this experience even a year from now and see how far I’ve come from day one!
