You might wonder how a recent-grad psychology major could fit into Brafton’s marketing department, but Simonne Valdez is crushing it.
Here’s why: Simonne and her team are responsible for researching and qualifying prospects for new potential client opportunities. They need to be resourceful, proactive, detail oriented and creative to identify potential clients.
“When studying psychology, I definitely feel like I had a good understanding of the word ‘research,’” Simonne said. “As a market research executive, we use all different systems to research brand opportunities, so I like that it forces us to be creative.”
Alongside the change in her career path, Simonne also joined Brafton just two weeks after making the leap from Florida to Boston. As a new New-Englander we’ve been impressed with both Simonne’s engaging personality, as well as her positive outlook on the record-breaking snowfall she’s seen in her first winter up north.
Her best advice when encountering in a new situation?
“Dont be afraid to ask questions!” she said. “If you don’t know the answer – it’s not a dumb question.”
Learn more about Simonne in our Brafton Q&A:
Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be all sorts of things growing up. Obviously they became more realistic with age. I went from wanting to be an artist, to wanting to be a food critic, to wanting to someday own my own business as an event planner. I can’t say any of my “dream-jobs” have gone away, but now I think they are more fun as hobbies.
Q: What do you think is the most important quality you need to have for success?
Having the will to be better than you were the day before.
Q: What do you value most in a job?
Employee engagement. I feel Brafton does a really good job at making us feel at home.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
I am very much an animal person, and I was lucky enough to be able to bring my kitty with me from Florida. She is definitely my most treasured possession.
Q: What personality trait are you always trying to improve?
I love to travel (when I can), and I think you can never be too cultured.
Q: Which day of the work week are you the most productive?
I don’t usually plan anything crazy on Sundays, so naturally on Mondays, I am well rested and ready to work.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of your job?
I like that we have goals to reach. Rather than just doing the same thing over and over each day, we get challenges and there is a little friendly-competition amongst my other fellow marketers to reach them.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement would be getting out of my comfort-zone and backpacking Europe for a month. It was the most exciting thing I’ve probably ever done and I had such a great time meeting people from all over the world. Seems unreal, but I would totally do it again.
Q: Have any “hidden talents” ?
My shoveling skills are superb for having experienced my first real winter (so I’m told).
Q: If Brafton were a TV show, which character – from any sitcom, drama or reality show (of any time period) – would represent you?
If I had to choose, I would have to say I am a Mindy from the Mindy Project. She is a little neurotic, outspoken yet innocent in the best way and she makes people laugh by just being herself.
Did you know? Our database marketing team is hiring! Check out our career opportunities here.
