Business
Danielle Hebert, NorState FCU, Marketing
01/02/19 13:49
Danielle Hebert, Marketing Coordinator, NorState Federal Credit Union
My Past. My Work.
I graduated college in 2004 from the University of Maine at Fort Kent with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. With most all of my family living in the St. John Valley, I knew I wanted to stay local both for school & work. I began working for the Madawaska School Department as a Secretary at the Elementary School in January of 2005 and stayed in that position until March of 2016. At that time I accepted a position at NorState Federal Credit Union as a Teller/Marketing Assistant. Half of my week was spent working as a Member Service Advisor (Teller) where I did deposits, withdrawals, and anything else members needed help with on the front line. The other half of my week was spent assisting the Marketing Director with anything involving the promotion of NorState & their products and services. In June of 2017, I was promoted to full time Marketing Coordinator (which is my current position).
My Typical Day.
There are no two days that are the same in Marketing. Sometimes I start my day with a plan and can get through everything on my to-do list – sometimes the plan goes out the window and other things need to get done first. But that’s the exciting part! Days can be filled with developing ad campaigns, social media promotion, participating in job fairs, visiting our schools for financial education workshops and so much more. Whatever the tasks of the day may be, our number one goal is to showcase NorState is the most positive light possible.
What I like best about my work. What I like less.
The best aspect of my work at NFCU has been working with an excellent team. We work together to bring the best to our members, whether it’s through the products and services we offer or giving back to our communities through random acts of kindness. Being a part of that team has been a wonderful highlight. The thing I like least about my job, and I think this can be said for any work environment, is that, at times, one person’s negativity can affect the positivity of those around them. If and when that happens though, I try to turn the negative actions or words into something positive. Don’t ever let someone’s negativity ruin your excitement & positivity in your work.
The qualities and values you need to be successful and happy in this work.
The qualities & values that you need to be successful & happy in this work and whatever work you choose are the same. You need to be respectful of others, a team player, a good listener, be honest, ask for help when you need it, and do your best. If you have & exhibit those qualities, success & happiness will follow.
The skills, knowledge & experience you should develop today to be successful in this work.
I didn’t have any Marketing experience before taking this position. Though I do have a creative side, I came in with no set “marketing skills”. What I did come in with was an open mind and a willingness to learn. I think those are two skills that have helped me succeed is in this position. Whatever career you choose, if you have an open mind to new things and a willingness to continue to always be learning, you will be successful as well.
The academic education you should pursue to prepare for success in this work.
Having a bachelor’s degree in Business has given me some skills needed to succeed in this work. Had I known I would be in this position, I think I would have still earned my Business degree but I would have had a focus in Marketing. Though in any position, learning about your work should be continuous. That is why I have been taking online Marketing classes to expand my knowledge in this field so I can continue to do well in my everyday work.
The best advice I can give to anyone who wants to pursue this career or any career.
1. Be a Team Player
2. Attitude is the one thing you can control – so might as well have a positive one! ☺
3. In life & work, educate yourself & show effort – continue to strive for the “e”!
My Past. My Work.
I graduated college in 2004 from the University of Maine at Fort Kent with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. With most all of my family living in the St. John Valley, I knew I wanted to stay local both for school & work. I began working for the Madawaska School Department as a Secretary at the Elementary School in January of 2005 and stayed in that position until March of 2016. At that time I accepted a position at NorState Federal Credit Union as a Teller/Marketing Assistant. Half of my week was spent working as a Member Service Advisor (Teller) where I did deposits, withdrawals, and anything else members needed help with on the front line. The other half of my week was spent assisting the Marketing Director with anything involving the promotion of NorState & their products and services. In June of 2017, I was promoted to full time Marketing Coordinator (which is my current position).
My Typical Day.
There are no two days that are the same in Marketing. Sometimes I start my day with a plan and can get through everything on my to-do list – sometimes the plan goes out the window and other things need to get done first. But that’s the exciting part! Days can be filled with developing ad campaigns, social media promotion, participating in job fairs, visiting our schools for financial education workshops and so much more. Whatever the tasks of the day may be, our number one goal is to showcase NorState is the most positive light possible.
What I like best about my work. What I like less.
The best aspect of my work at NFCU has been working with an excellent team. We work together to bring the best to our members, whether it’s through the products and services we offer or giving back to our communities through random acts of kindness. Being a part of that team has been a wonderful highlight. The thing I like least about my job, and I think this can be said for any work environment, is that, at times, one person’s negativity can affect the positivity of those around them. If and when that happens though, I try to turn the negative actions or words into something positive. Don’t ever let someone’s negativity ruin your excitement & positivity in your work.
The qualities and values you need to be successful and happy in this work.
The qualities & values that you need to be successful & happy in this work and whatever work you choose are the same. You need to be respectful of others, a team player, a good listener, be honest, ask for help when you need it, and do your best. If you have & exhibit those qualities, success & happiness will follow.
The skills, knowledge & experience you should develop today to be successful in this work.
I didn’t have any Marketing experience before taking this position. Though I do have a creative side, I came in with no set “marketing skills”. What I did come in with was an open mind and a willingness to learn. I think those are two skills that have helped me succeed is in this position. Whatever career you choose, if you have an open mind to new things and a willingness to continue to always be learning, you will be successful as well.
The academic education you should pursue to prepare for success in this work.
Having a bachelor’s degree in Business has given me some skills needed to succeed in this work. Had I known I would be in this position, I think I would have still earned my Business degree but I would have had a focus in Marketing. Though in any position, learning about your work should be continuous. That is why I have been taking online Marketing classes to expand my knowledge in this field so I can continue to do well in my everyday work.
The best advice I can give to anyone who wants to pursue this career or any career.
1. Be a Team Player
2. Attitude is the one thing you can control – so might as well have a positive one! ☺
3. In life & work, educate yourself & show effort – continue to strive for the “e”!
Jonathan Roy, Senior Care Administration/Ownership and Hotel Owner
11/21/18 10:29
Jonathan Roy
Senior Care Administration/Ownership and Hotel Owner
My Past. My Work
I graduated from Northeastern University in 2009 and worked at John Hancock Insurance Co. in Boston for a few years before moving back to the St. John Valley in 2000. Since then, I have been involved in the Administration and Ownership of senior health care facilities and have opened up a hotel/restaurant. I currently assist with the day to day management of Ridgewood Estates (Madawaska), Crosswinds Residential Care (Fort Kent), St. Josephs Memory Care (Frenchville) and the Inn of Acadia (Madawaska). I enjoy entrepreneurship and the challenge of creating and operating successful operations.
My Typical Day
I am pretty involved in all aspects of our businesses so it's guaranteed that no two days are ever the same. I typically start my day by spending about an hour in my office reviewing emails, paperwork, etc. I try to meet with residents, guests, staff everyday as well so I can get feel for how things are going. I try and visit at least two locations each day and review items that need attention. One commonality is that everyday I try and improve on something….always putting an emphasis on customer service.
What I Like Best and Least About My Work
Our businesses are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so it is critical that we have employees who can be trusted and who do their jobs well. Our employees are our biggest asset and it is an amazing feeling when you know you have a great team. The best part of my job is being part of a quality team and achieving quality customer service. It is very satisfying for me to see that we succeed in what we set out to do day in day out. Content residents/guests, engaged and satisfied employees, and profitability are our three core goals. The part I like least is the paperwork and dealing with the occasional unreliable/ineffective employee.
Qualities and Values Needed to be Successful and Happy in This Work
Need to be patient…need to listen….need to lead by example….need to problem solve….need to know how to communicate.
Skills and Knowledge and Experience you Should Develop
It is important to give 110% at whatever you do. As long as you are doing your best, good things should happen. It is also important to communicate effectively. Being a leader is a lot harder when you are not a good communicator. Respect, tolerance, and patience are important. Go out and find work that involves customer service and you will acquire lots of useful skills that will lead to success in the healthcare/hospitality field. Learn how to budget your finances.
The Academic Education you Should Pursue
Learning management basics and accounting principles are important. You also need to learn how to communicate on paper and in person. Ultimately, you will want to master the art of conflict resolution and develop a customer service growth mindset.
The Best Advice I Can Give
Be patient and set goals for yourself. Find something you love to do and do it well. Whatever it is you set out to do, take pride in what you do and how you do it. Don't be scared to take chances and don't settle for mediocrity. There is a solution to most every problem so if something is not working, find ways to make it work.
Senior Care Administration/Ownership and Hotel Owner
My Past. My Work
I graduated from Northeastern University in 2009 and worked at John Hancock Insurance Co. in Boston for a few years before moving back to the St. John Valley in 2000. Since then, I have been involved in the Administration and Ownership of senior health care facilities and have opened up a hotel/restaurant. I currently assist with the day to day management of Ridgewood Estates (Madawaska), Crosswinds Residential Care (Fort Kent), St. Josephs Memory Care (Frenchville) and the Inn of Acadia (Madawaska). I enjoy entrepreneurship and the challenge of creating and operating successful operations.
My Typical Day
I am pretty involved in all aspects of our businesses so it's guaranteed that no two days are ever the same. I typically start my day by spending about an hour in my office reviewing emails, paperwork, etc. I try to meet with residents, guests, staff everyday as well so I can get feel for how things are going. I try and visit at least two locations each day and review items that need attention. One commonality is that everyday I try and improve on something….always putting an emphasis on customer service.
What I Like Best and Least About My Work
Our businesses are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so it is critical that we have employees who can be trusted and who do their jobs well. Our employees are our biggest asset and it is an amazing feeling when you know you have a great team. The best part of my job is being part of a quality team and achieving quality customer service. It is very satisfying for me to see that we succeed in what we set out to do day in day out. Content residents/guests, engaged and satisfied employees, and profitability are our three core goals. The part I like least is the paperwork and dealing with the occasional unreliable/ineffective employee.
Qualities and Values Needed to be Successful and Happy in This Work
Need to be patient…need to listen….need to lead by example….need to problem solve….need to know how to communicate.
Skills and Knowledge and Experience you Should Develop
It is important to give 110% at whatever you do. As long as you are doing your best, good things should happen. It is also important to communicate effectively. Being a leader is a lot harder when you are not a good communicator. Respect, tolerance, and patience are important. Go out and find work that involves customer service and you will acquire lots of useful skills that will lead to success in the healthcare/hospitality field. Learn how to budget your finances.
The Academic Education you Should Pursue
Learning management basics and accounting principles are important. You also need to learn how to communicate on paper and in person. Ultimately, you will want to master the art of conflict resolution and develop a customer service growth mindset.
The Best Advice I Can Give
Be patient and set goals for yourself. Find something you love to do and do it well. Whatever it is you set out to do, take pride in what you do and how you do it. Don't be scared to take chances and don't settle for mediocrity. There is a solution to most every problem so if something is not working, find ways to make it work.