Tara Answers “Why VisionPoint?”

When I first applied for a position at VisionPoint, it was actually my 2nd choice of places to work. After an internship in the Office of University Relations at UNCW, I wanted nothing more than to continue working for my alma mater full time. I had such an impactful experience in my internship, that I wanted to make sure every prospective student knew what great opportunities UNCW had to offer. There were no open positions with University Relations at the time, so I was forced to expand my search. Looking back, I’m glad I did.

Working at VisionPoint has taught me so much and still allowed me to do exactly what I wanted to do. I get to help students find the institution that will be the perfect fit to shape their future. I consider myself extremely lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people in an environment that challenges me every day. In order to sustain this type of culture, we have a defined set of company values called Vision Points. While all of these are extremely important, there are three Vision Points that stand out to me.

Collaborative

I have always been the type of person that performs best with support from a team. On the field, in the classroom and at the office. There is such a strong sense of support at VisionPoint. I know that whatever challenge I’m facing, I can always ask for help when needed. When it’s time to celebrate, we celebrate together knowing that we do our best work as a team.  

Self-Disciplined

Many people at the office often comment on my ability to be self-disciplined. I go to the gym at 5:45 am, eat healthy lunches and work at a standing desk. Although not everyone chooses to start their day so early or stand for hours on end, I know that every person on the VisionPoint team has the self-discipline to complete their projects with excellence (another Vision Point). There is nothing more motivating than being surrounded by hard-working people who are dedicated to making a difference.

Friendly

In my opinion, there is no good reason not to smile when you greet someone. You simply never know when a kind gesture, no matter how small, will turn a person’s day around. I encounter small gestures like this everyday at VisionPoint. Sometimes it’s a “good morning” when I come in the door, other times it’s a sincere congratulations after completing an important task. It can even be a bad joke, just to break the tension. No matter the situation, I can always count on my team to brighten my day.