Question: Tell us about your company and what you do.
Answer: My host company is Valassis Communications, a proud leader in intelligent media delivery. Valassis provides over 15,000 advertisers from around the globe with proven and innovative media solutions to influence consumers wherever they plan, shop, buy and share.
At Valassis, I get to split my time between several different projects and teams. Between presenting on social media strategies with the Talent Acquisition and Recruitment team, designing Diversity & Inclusion initiatives with Human Resources, drawing up digital web-drafts with the Creative team, and planning wellness events with Benefits, there is never ever a dull day at work!
Question: Describe an accomplishment or contribution you’ve made at your company.
Answer: In the very beginning of my time at Valassis, I was asked to help put together a short video that would highlight and explain a new health policy reward for associates. Because I had just started work, I had not yet been given access to the equipment or software I wanted to use to make the video. So, instead, I used what equipment I did have access to—my two hands. I drew and colored in many, many sheets of paper and created my very first hand-drawn animated video that was eventually sent out to all associates world-wide. And even though none of my colleagues ever admitted this, I could tell they were all obviously jealous of my very fun project. I mean, I had a very serious number of Crayolas spread out all over my desk. Let’s be honest.
Question: What makes working for your company unique?
Answer: My experience at Valassis is certainly unique, due in large part, to my lack of a set job title. My title is not undefined because there is nothing for me to do, but because there is everything that I can do. My supervisors encouraged me to make this year a learning experience as much as it was a year of giving. They wanted me to be able to try different kinds of work in different departments with different teams. I am the type of individual who is energized by change, and the excitement and creativity that comes with my very broad role at Valassis has allowed me to touch so many aspects of the company that I otherwise would not have access to. I guess I don’t have a proper job title because if I came up with one, it’d be too long. And I’m sure there are rules about that.
Question: Why do you enjoy working in the Detroit community?
Answer: There is something so raw and organic about the Detroit community. Everywhere I turn, I am hit in the face with the buzz of a very real energy and excitement—one that I have come to cherish very much. I am so thankful to be able to work in a community that cries out for creativity, innovation, and passion in its every day. Plus, Detroit offers an unbelievably cool plethora of spirit wear and “I Love Detroit” paraphernalia, which I always award mad points for.
Question: What’s the biggest highlight of working at your company?
Answer: The biggest highlight of working at my company is its forever-ready supply of food.
Oh, and the people are pretty cool, too, I guess.
I have really enjoyed getting to know my incredible new co-workers (and now friends!) during my time here at Valassis. They really help keep things fun, and everyone that I have gotten to work with truly demonstrates a genuine care for one another in their speech, actions, and their generous sharing of food.
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Contributed by fellow Bithiah Lee