When you’re a recent college graduate starting your new career, it’s important to take the time to learn as much as you can and show you’re accountable. Proven success and dependability will show you’re ready to take on additional responsibilities.
Rachel Pitts graduated from the University of Mary Washington three years ago and took on a full time role in recruiting at a Recruiting Process Organization (RPO). The decision was easy because she was a part time intern at the RPO. From there, she learned a lot about talent acquisition, conducting market research, analyzing information, and how to market opportunities to candidates. Because her position was based in Northern Virginia, she focused mainly on staffing for government contractors. Rachel knew she eventually wanted to settle into her hometown in the Tidewater area and landed a new role at Ironclad.
Rachel’s parents built their own company and it’s clear they passed down their values of hard work, commitment, and positivity to their daughter. Rachel’s proactive and motivated work ethic shined brightest while supporting our business development team while staffing for proposals. Developing relationships with candidates and nurturing those relationships during a long capture and award process was critical. When Ironclad’s business development team began to grow, Rachel was picked to be the team’s first Business Development Analyst where she conducts research to support the team and keep everything organized throughout the process. After two years with Ironclad, the recruiting skills she honed and her personal strengths made the transition a natural one.
What excites you most about your new role?
There is something new to look forward to every day! Watching all the puzzle pieces come together on opportunities and the machine of our team pushing it from start to finish (and an Ironclad win!) is very exciting.
How did you approach taking the next step in your career?
Mainly just taking time to think about what type of role I wanted to grow into and being honest with my manager about those goals. From there, taking advantage of as many learning opportunities as possible.
Any advice for others who are looking to grow with the company?
Having open and honest communication with leadership about your goals is so important. My previous manager, Michelle Boggs, made it easy to discuss what my careers goals were from day one and helped me find a real way to achieve them.
One of the best things about working at Ironclad is the commitment to work/life balance. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day or week?
Most days, as soon as the day is over, I am headed to the barn to ride my horse, Beau. Some days I ride to strengthen our skills, and some days we just goof off and listen to our favorite tunes. Beau is a big Willie Nelson fan.
What’s been your favorite part of working at Ironclad?
My favorite part of working at Ironclad is the people. There is a sense that everyone is truly invested in supporting one another. I am so thankful to be surrounded by motivated, very smart people who are willing to share their knowledge and time to help me grow in my career.
