What was your course of study at Flagler and how did it equip you to enter your current professional industry?
My course of study at Flagler helped because I had more of an advantage going into job interviews. My knowledge was vast because I had a broad major and my opportunities were endless.
What was your first job after graduating from Flagler and how did you secure it?
My first job was as a Scrum Master at Chick-fil-A corporate in the Customer Technology Solutions section of the company. I secured it by taking the certification to become a Scrum Master. My area of study also helped me achieve this because I was able to understand how the businesses worked and marketing strategies. Also, I applied on LinkedIn, particularly using LinkedIn premium, for the position. I previously worked in the Chick-fil-A franchise restaurant during the summer of my college years, which really put me ahead of other applicants because I knew internally how the company works and its culture. This is one thing I would advise is if you worked in any franchise restaurants during your college years, use that to your advantage to apply for cooperate level positions. Employers love to have staff that already knows how the company works, their values, ethics, and culture.
What role did this first job play during your professional career?
This first job was pivotal because it gave the confidence in myself and my abilities to propel me further. Graduating college is already an amazing accomplishment and I knew I had what it takes to exceed, but taking on the first corporate position that started my career frightened me like never before. Over time, I learned that I am not in this by myself I have a lot of support from colleagues at work that slowly took that fear away. I learned so much from my team and it helped me to continue to refine my skills as a leader and understand the Agile process more so that I could assist them better. I really tapped into my creative side to help the team improve which was something I never thought I would have. It helped me to grow and open my mind to what is possible even more.
Before graduating from Flagler, where could you see yourself living as a young professional and why?
I saw myself somewhere in Florida. I enjoyed my time so much at Flagler and fell in love with the weather and beauty of Florida, that I didn’t want to leave. Since I started my journey in Florida with college at Flagler, I wanted to keep that momentum there into my professional career. But Atlanta reminded me of everything I missed.
What were some of the factors that led you to move to Atlanta, professionally or otherwise?
Atlanta is my home base. It’s where my family is and where I was raised. When I came back during the pandemic, I realized just how much I missed being there. I missed going to all my favorite places, my family, my friends, all of it.
How common/ represented is your industry of work in Atlanta?
It is becoming increasingly very common. I feel as though Agile, the methodology Scrum Masters introduce, coach, and enforce, is really becoming very prevalent amongst companies as they see, in other companies, that Agile delivers amazing results: more people than process-focused, more completed and built out in less time so saving more money on the company end.
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to work?
Atlanta is- dare I say- the perfect place to work. There are so many opportunities for everyone from medicine, media, and marketing, to aviation and IT! You name it, Atlanta has it. A lot of these big-name companies have their brick-and-mortar offices right here in Atlanta. There is no shortage. It is a very lively place with the hustle and bustle of people coming to and from work. Be ready for the traffic because it is no joke!
How would you describe Atlanta as a place to live?
Never a dull moment if you love city life. There is ALWAYS something to do that’s why a lot of people are moving here. You can go somewhere and conveniently see people on set filming a movie. It is very lively, especially when you go to the diverse downtown.
What are three things you love about living in Atlanta that you think would be hard to find somewhere else?
- There are so many new places to explore, even though I have lived there my whole life. There are a lot of hidden gems.
- The food! I am a foodie all the way and ATL doesn’t disappoint in that area. So many amazing restaurants to try especially the ones you see on reality TV. You can’t quite get fried chicken like you can in Atlanta.
- The family and friend connections I have here. Just about everyone I am close to in my life is here which makes the place even more special.