I Fell Into A Great Career

Ten years ago this week, I was hired into an industry I knew nothing about and started a career that changed my life.

Back then, it seemed everyone had a 'how I fell into marketing research story,' and that was always a fun topic of conversation. I have spent the past few weeks reminiscing about my “fall” and the incredible journey it has led me on. 

Taking a chance 

In 2012, I needed a job. I lived in Mobile, Alabama, and I saw an ad for an Account Executive at The Olinger Group, a market research firm in New Orleans. I thought:

• This is a sales job. Score!
• I absolutely love New Orleans. That would be a great place to live.
• I took a marketing class in college. I bet I can make this work.
• What in the world is market research?
  

I filled out an application and then obsessively looked up “Market Research” on Google before my interview. I learned later that Chanttel, the Managing Director, didn’t expect me to know much about the industry. Nobody did back then.

Chanttel and Jude, the CEO, decided to take a chance on me. And I took a chance on the industry. I was sold on The Olinger Group because I liked the people there, and the work seemed interesting. The idea of talking to smart people about how to solve business problems appealed to me.  

A steep learning curve 

That appeal was important – because the learning curve was tough! I spent six months just trying to figure out what the company does. It took a lot of perseverance on my part, and a lot of patience with me from my superiors.  

Emphasis on “a lot”!  

I had to learn the industry from scratch. There really wasn’t any other way. Plus, The Olinger Group was a generalist firm at the time, so I had so much to learn – methods, modes, technologies, and nuanced differences between our clients’ industries.  

Now, looking back on my 10-year work-i-versary, I know that all the hard work and stress was worth it.  

Amazing benefits 

I love my job! And there are some amazing perks. 

Internal

• I get to talk about tough business problems and solutions with incredibly smart people.
• I do work that helps people live better, thanks to The Olinger Group’s focus on three spaces: Health & Wellness; Luxury Brands; and Luxury Travel.
• I get to be in the know.
• My job is never the same old / same old thing. Speaking of which...
  

(Spoils from a company fishing trip.) 

External

I got to see the world because I took a job I knew nothing about! Here are just a few highlights from my travels with The Olinger Group:

• Staying in clients’ luxury hotels (Being treated and feeling like a VIP is amazing!)
• Trying out wild, interactive slot machine prototypes before they hit the floor
• Having a beer (or two) in the Sam Adams break room.
• Attending major league baseball games in stadiums across the country
• Seeing Vegas shows
• Quick visits to beautiful national and state parks
• Seeing some of my favorite musicians play at cool venues
• Seeing friends that have been scattered across the country
  

And the food! When you travel, you get to try the local culinary favorites. Remember, I live in New Orleans, so I am familiar with good food. So, when I tell you that I have had some great local cuisines on my travels, you know it was amazing! 

(The tacos in New York were so good, I had to take a picture.)  

Deliverable  

I am in Market Research, so I have to give you a deliverable after my presentation. Here it is:  

• I am grateful everyday that I fell into this industry.
• Thanks, and hello to everyone I met along the way. You were / are an important part of my journey.
• I enjoyed my past experiences and look forward to future ones.
  

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