Myth: College Major Determines Your Career

<section class="wp-block-reyrey-js-section"><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-column"><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph">Reynolds’ associate-base is made up of a wide variety of educational backgrounds – including some that ended up in positions that don’t exactly correlate with their original field of study. Meet four current associates and learn a little about their educational journeys and how they landed a job here at Reynolds:</div><ul class="List-Container undefined"><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div><em>Cassidy </em><em>Abner, Recruiting</em></div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div><em>Kyra Houlé, Remote Software Implementation</em></div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div><em>Bruce Hughes, Marketing – Video Team</em></div></li><li class="wp-block-reyrey-js-list-item"><div><em>Danielle Tarbert, Product Management</em></div></li></ul><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Where did you go to school, and what did you study?</span></div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Cassidy:</span> I received my bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Miami University’s regional campus in Middletown, Ohio.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Kyra:</span> I hold a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Bruce:</span> I studied Dynamic Figure Drawing at the School of Advertising Art, now known as The Modern, in Kettering, Ohio.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Danielle:</span> I started as an International Studies major at Bowling Green State University, but I transferred to Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">How did you find yourself at Reynolds, and what do you do now?</span></div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Cassidy:</span> I started with the company as a part-time associate during college and went through our summer internship program. After falling in love with Reynolds, I accepted a full-time position in the Recruiting department and currently work as a Corporate Recruiter. I move candidates through our hiring process and work closely with departments across the company to evaluate business needs. I love giving job offers – I like to say that I “make dreams come true!”</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Kyra:</span> I found Reynolds through a LinkedIn ad and currently work as a Mergers and Acquisitions Consultant in Remote Software Implementation. When a customer has a need, I collaborate with them to set expectations and see what solution best fits their needs, and then I send them to one of our trainers. The trainer works with them to set up and get the most out of their software, but I still see the process through to completion.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Bruce:</span> I was working in TV and decided I wanted to move to a bigger, more challenging market, so I ended up back in Dayton. I initially interviewed for a Graphic Design position, but I was offered a position more suited to my passions and skills. I work as a Visual Development Artist on our video team, and every day is different, which I love. My day can include anything from writing, acting, directing, and shooting to animation and video/audio editing.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Danielle:</span> A close friend was working for Reynolds at the time and heard about an open position, so I applied and got the job. Now, I work as a Product Manager for Reynolds Certified Interface, which allows dealerships to secure the data they transfer between third-party vendors. I work with outside vendors to ensure they are able to safely receive and send data to our software. I’m also involved in designing new product integrations and quality assurance testing.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">How does your educational experience help you in your current role?</span></div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Cassidy: </span>Material from my communication classes come into play every day. I learned what makes people tick, as well as how to appropriately communicate in professional environments, which is applicable outside of Reynolds, as well. I talk to college students at career fairs and I collaborate with all of our departments when it comes to hiring, so clear communication that is tailored to each of their needs is crucial to the company’s success.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Kyra: </span>Studying philosophy taught me how to think critically and think through every decision before making it. I’m originally from Germany and speak the language fluently, but I took philosophy of language classes that have forced me to think through what I’m saying and consider the repercussions of how my words can affect the people around me. I interned at a German law firm in college, which helped me learn how much work I can handle and when to ask for assistance or advice, especially since my current position is pretty self-guided.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Bruce: </span>I went to a mid-tier design school, which meant I worked with individuals coming from diverse backgrounds. We didn’t learn on the “latest-and-greatest” technology, which has helped me adapt and solve problems with quick critical thinking, which is applicable in any workplace. I have no problem talking to people and feel like I can relate to anyone, and it’s easy to recognize and embrace differences and diversity.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph"><span class="RR-Font-Weight Bold">Danielle: </span>In my current role, I love solving puzzles, documenting my findings, and explaining what I believe is needed to find a resolution. This is a component that definitely translated well from my Anthropology courses – they were largely research-based, with the end goal of me being able to communicate my findings in an essay or exam response.</div><div class="wp-block-reyrey-js-paragraph">Cassidy, Kyra, Bruce, and Danielle are just a few associates whose stories prove that your college major doesn’t necessarily define your career path. Some of the most applicable lessons you learn in college don’t come from a textbook – rather, they come from personal experience. Regardless of your educational background, there’s a place for you to grow, learn, and contribute to our winning team! Check the <a href="https://www.reyrey.com/company/careers/job-openings">careers</a> page for current job openings.</div></div></section>