transition: passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another.
I am in transition at work. Actually, I think I’ve been in constant transition from day 1.
My journey began 2 years ago. I was hired as a receptionist at an incredible place called opus:creative in downtown nw portland. My job was very fluid and evolutionary - owning new tasks and responsibilities each day. To put it in layman’s terms: my task list was growing faster than Britney Spears’ fan club.
Sooner than later I became the office manager, which in a company with less than 100 employees– is quite normal. This was an exciting transition for me. I was growing within a company I believed in and cared for. I work with amazing people and the job is rewarding. I can help you impress your clients, make lasting first impressions, do the dishes, bind books for client presentations to help you land that big client, and even put tp in the bathrooms. Diversity is the name of the game people. And I was winning.
The turning point for me professionally was one day when a nice lady named Katie gave me her AE’s analytic reports for 4 clients. I was introduced to webtrends, the playground for Microsoft Excel geeks worldwide, such as myself.
Finally! I found something I was passionate about AND good at. Incredible. I was just sure I would have to go back to college to find what makes me tick, and actually pays well.
So for the last year or so I’ve been doing more and more analytics. With the serious help of our Strategy Jedi Master, Paul, I’ve been able to take over about 18 different reports. Meet my passion:
The amazing thing about analytics is that you can actually help somebody. People, our clients, spend a fortune building a public website. The company, their life, their baby, their future depends upon the success of this website. It’s how people see you, you are your website. Every color, box, flash video, logo, represents you. So when your baby goes live, I will tell you how you’re doing. I will pull KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) such as Visitors, Page Views, Total Downloads, Top Exit Pages, Top Entry Pages, etc. to give you recommendations and a summary of how you are doing. I will pull these various stat’s and KPI’s from such platforms as: WebTrends, Urchin, Google Analytics, HBX, Omniture, wherever I can, and do whatever it takes to help you get the numbers you need. It’s very rewarding and humbling to help a client succeed by simply recommending email marketing, new creative, or more banner ads.
I’ve been set up for success by said Jedi Master Paul, and other amazing co-workers. So thank you.
So the conclusion of my thoughts today are: rainbows and butterflies are everywhere. I see a light at the horizon and I’m going to reach it… I am hoping to be fully transitioned, full-time, in my new position as analyst/research specialist by March, 1, 2007.
Until then I am antsy. Trying to fulfill my current responsibilities, while anxiously awaiting the day I can start my career. But, never fear. I shall keep truckin on.
-m.n.
I’m proud of you sister! I knew you would find your path. With your drive and the empowering growth culture at opus, you have a very bright future ahead of you! - glenny
I’m so glad to see you movin’ on up. While you were nothing short of a stellar office manager, I always felt like you were capable of so much more. Go forth and kick a**!
Michaela, I think everyone in the User Experience group here at opus:creative agrees that you are a valuable asset and one that will continue to help us grow as a department and a company. Personally, I can’t think of a better fit for this role.
Go team!
Michaela,
I am glad you are staying in the family. It just wouldn’t be the same around here if I couldn’t pick on you. Seriously happy for you.
I constantly ask myself this question: “This is your life, are you who you want to be?” If you ask youself this question and can’t answer “yes” then you need to re-evaluate you. I am glad you are finding you…now you will grow beyond your dreams.
I will still find time to pick…–jason
Michaela,
Geesh I am very proud of you. It has been fantastic to watch your growth over the last few years, and this is only the beginning!
Spirit fingers
Mary
It’s great to have another web analyst in Portland! Best of luck!
Michaela-
Discovering your passion and playing to your strengths has endless rewards. Your post is inspiring and also reinforces the greatness of opus as a team. I value you and your contributions HUGE!
Hi Michaela,
I too am in transition, and related to your writing. I actually saw a posting for the Art Director postion on Craig’s list. Though I am totally unqualified for that job, it spoke to me about possibilities at Opus.
My career was in the apparel industry for many years, but I think this restructure is bringing me the universe.
While I have been unemployed I have:
*Bought land in Molokai, Hawaii
*Written my first novel during the month of November, my pen name is Patti Leap. I hope to get it published as an E-book, which is print on demand.
*Initiated a home renovation, converting my ugly 1960’s ranch garage into a working studio for art, the project will be completed within a month, the door was from sourced in Texas.
* Earned my WSI for lifeguarding. Now I have a duty to save lives!
*Traveled to Paris for one week, taking art supplies to make masks related to the Seven Chakras
Best regards,
Patti
I’d like to add my enthusiastic congratulations and encouragement to all the others!
Looking forward to hearing more about how your career continues to develop.
You’ve been the best neighbor we could ask for –> glad your move is only “lateral.”
See you around the halls –> your friends in #203 ;-)