Rose recently sat down for a conversation with Amelia Bragg, who works on Brightspot's platform product management team. Their conversation covered a range of topics including how Amelia got her start at Brightspot as a summer intern, her professional development over the past three years, and her current role educating customers and colleagues about Brightspot.
Before starting full-time, you interned at Brightspot in 2018. Can you tell me about that experience and how it impacted your decision to work here full-time?
I started as an intern in product management in summer 2018. I didn't know much about product management at the time, so it was an opportunity for me to get to know what the job entailed. During that summer, the internship illustrated to me how much I enjoyed the role and confirmed that it was the right career path for me.
Can you tell me more about your role on the platform team and the different hats you wear?
I started as a platform publisher, which involved building proofs of concept for both prospective and active customers. My role has expanded to also include leading customer and internal training sessions. I help onboard new employees, as well as providing continuing Brightspot education for the full staff.
You've helped educate many customers and employees about Brightspot. What's the one thing you wish everybody knew about the platform?
I wish everyone knew just how easy Brightspot is to use. I came into this role with limited CMS experience and knew nothing about Brightspot. I was amazed at how much the platform made sense to me right away and how easy it was to learn.
How have you grown professionally since starting at Brightspot?
As my responsibilities have grown, time management has become critical and a major area of growth. I've also become much more comfortable asking for help when I need it.
I read that you worked as a resident advisor throughout college. Can you tell me more about that experience and what you took away from it?
I loved being an RA! I worked with housing for three years. I definitely learned how to talk to people and help them tackle their problems, which has certainly carried over to the professional world. Also, part of being a resident advisor is understanding other people's perspectives. At Brightspot, I am always trying to put myself in the shoes of the customer, so having that practice as an RA was hugely helpful.
What's the best piece of career or life advice that you've ever received?
The best advice I ever received was from my dad during a conversation in college about my career path. He told me to focus on what would make me happiest and let that guide my decisions.
Besides the people, what is your favorite part about working at Brightspot?
My favorite part about Brightspot is the care and positive attitude we bring to each project. Everybody is incredibly helpful to each other, and it makes for an encouraging work environment.
What are your favorite activities or hobbies to do outside of the office?
I have been reading a lot and also spending time swimming and roller skating.
If you could be any animal, which animal would you be, and why?
I would be a red panda. They seem like they're always having a good time and they get to do a lot of somersaults!
What was the last movie you saw, Would you recommend it?
The last movie I saw was Wonder Woman 1984. I would recommend it! It was an interesting approach to a superhero movie that broke from the traditional action mold.
