Vocus Careers Q&A | Featured Alum: University of Maryland

This week, the Vocus Careers team will visit three college campuses. One of them, University of Maryland, College Park is only six miles from our headquarters! We will be at Stamp Student Union on February 27, 2013 and we will also attend the Student Organization Reception and Employer Networking Dinner (SOREND) that evening. We’re excited to meet UMD students and alumni to tell them about all the growth and hiring opportunities that are so close by. Vocus is a great place for those of you who are interested in sales and want to remain in the Washington DC or Baltimore area. We have hiring opportunities in both MD and VA. If you’re interested in our opportunities for recent grads, read more to find out what UMD Featured Alum, Monica, has to say about her Life At Vocus. She joined us shortly after graduating from the University of Maryland and works as a Sales Associate at our Beltsville headquarters.

What made you decide to work at Vocus?

I  was intrigued when I first heard about vocus and all the tools it integrates into one platform- it felt extremely unique. The part that hooked me is what Vocus, in its most simplified form, does: it helps businesses grow. That’s something I knew I wanted to be a part of. Soon after, I went to the Open House event and was amazed by the culture here. It was quickly evident that the employees loved where they work and I was eager to join the team- I left feeling pumped up.

How has working at Vocus helped your professional development?

I’m comfortable speaking with upper-level management contacts about their current business goals and communication efforts. As a recent graduate, this is an aspect that would have intimidated me a year ago. Now, I’m comfortable to spend the day on the phone, talking to as many people as I can to discuss their operations. Vocus also provides the perfect environment to intermingle with very different people within the business. It’s a big enough place to meet people who are doing so many different things here and it’s great to see how everyone within the company works together to build this strong foundation behind Vocus. Most of all, this position helps me further develop my critical thinking skills every day. I work with such a large range of businesses that I always need to have a quick response to whatever a prospect may throw my way on the phone.

What do you like best about working at Vocus?

The best part about Vocus is the people I work with. From day one, everyone has been extremely welcoming. My manager and team members actively work to keep each other in a great mood with a positive outlook each day, which makes all the difference. Also, I love the autonomy that comes with this position. I am able to make my own decisions, observe what works and what doesn’t, and adjust accordingly. Finally, I love the work-hard, play-hard mentality here. When I don’t do it enough, I’m told to get away from my desk. Vocus brings the perfect balance- it’s important to work hard and have fun, too.

Why do UMD graduates make a good fit at Vocus?

UMD students embody the work-hard, play-hard attitude. These grads understand how to work hard and have a great time doing it. UMD particularly trains its students be capable working independently – and within a group. This is a great asset to being a part of Vocus town; capabilities within both aspects are crucial. UMD grads are a great fir for Vocus because they’re trained to think on their feet, be assertive in their abilities and career path, and be successful while being themselves. And Vocus is so close, they’ll feel right at home!

If you enjoyed what Monica has to say about Vocus and will be attending the University of Maryland Spring Career Fair, stop by our booth with your resume to discuss your potential career with us. Our team will also be attending the SOREND dinner after the fair and a Speed Networking Event with the School of Communication later this spring, so there are a few opportunities for UMD students to network with us this semester!