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 I recently asked the question on the Chamber’s facebook page, “What Lessons Did You Learn From Your First Job?” When I posted this question, the first thing I thought about was, what did I learn from my first job? My first “real” job, at which I thought about having business suits and performing as a professional, was at the American Automobile Association headquarters. I was the assistant to the manager of the World Wide Travel agency, Betsy Sell. And folks, I was green! Betsy lived a life many of us would love to have lived. She was brought up in Portugal. She spoke seven different languages. She had been a tour guide through-out Europe and had made many international connections, was erudite, and was able to quickly assess a situation and react (I’m sure that can be attributed to her tour guide days). She wore red nail polish and had all of the self-assuredness that would appeal to a young girl in her first job. Betsy could also be very straight forward. If a job task was not performed to her satisfaction, there was no beating around the bush – you knew!
Not long after I started, the Director’s assistant left, and I was asked to work both jobs while they searched for a replacement. I really felt honored to be asked. No, I didn’t apply; I wanted to work in the marketing department. But this was a great opportunity and I planned to make the most of it. My inexperience was painfully obvious at times, but I learned so much!
After the new assistant was hired, I received the highest recommendation allowed through AAA’s personnel review process, with a 10% raise. In order to qualify for the 10% raise, a letter from the President of AAA was required for approval. Wow! This was 1978 and we were in the middle of a horrible recession. I remember feeling so honored! From that willingness to step up, I soon found myself working in the “promotions” department (now called “marketing”) as an editorial assistant with the encouragement, and a referral, from Betsy.
A while back I made contact with Betsy through LinkedIn. She is now the Executive Director of the National World Wide Travel Agency at AAA. She was one of the people who helped to put me on the career path that I’m enjoying now. To this day, I remember her beaming face as she read my review to me, handed me the letter from the President of AAA, and genuinely thanked me for my hard work. Bless her for her patience and encouragement - I was a struggling typist on an electric typewriter, dealing with carbon paper!
So to answer my own question – what did I learn at my first job? I learned to always do my very best at any task given, to ask questions until I understand what is required of me, and to keep a positive attitude, because a good boss will recognize your efforts and you will be rewarded. And, thank goodness for computers and copiers, and no more carbon paper!
Darlene J. Brown
Director, Marketing & Communications
316 S. Front St.
New Bern, NC 28563
252-637-3111
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Posted by: Terry Location: New Bern
Authentic! Posted by: Wendy Location: New Bern Darlene, It sounds like Betsy was more than a good boss…she was a good leader! You follow in her footsteps by providing guidance, patience and a path for others to succeed. Thank you for helping me with my current project, I truly appreciate your feedback. This is a great blog! Wendy |
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