EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Nick Jones

John: I am joined today by Nick Jones, who is one of our graphic designers. He also does some web design and basically helps all the new clients at Vyral Marketing get up and running. So, why don't you just talk about why you joined us in the first place?

Nick: I wanted to be a part of a team of designers who use the skill-set that I have.

John: Describe your first impression of Vyral.

Nick: I'm pretty sure I was over-prepared. I had a script, something prepared to say, but you were totally relaxed and we just sat down and tossed a couple questions back and forth about the job. Overall, it was a pretty good and pretty easy-going experience.

John: How long have you been here? Why are you sticking around?

Nick: It's been about 6 or 7 months. I still learn things here on a day-to-day basis. I am getting into web design and this position allows me to explore that area of design.

John: Where do you think you're headed with your career?

Nick: I want to be more into web design and become more of a rounded designer because a lot of my experience is in print. I'm not sure where I'll be in a year from now, but for now, developing my skills at Vyral is a good choice to make.

John: Why don't we get a little bit more specific. What have you learned since you've been here at Vyral?

Nick: I've gotten really comfortable with HTML and CSS and a little JavaScript, and a couple programs like InDesign and Photoshop that I haven't used much.

John: Have you had any breakthroughs in your mindset since you've been working here?

Nick: There're lots of changes all the time, so you have to be prepared and ready for those last-minute changes. Also, just be prepared for things like client responses, whether they like or hate the end product, be prepared to work with them to change it.

John: What makes us different than other places you've worked in the past?

Nick: The environment. It's lax, but still has a professional feel to it. I can come in wearing this Flash T-shirt, and it's not a problem. People are very communicative with each other. If I wanted to go into your office, you have a scheduled time I could do so. I can go and talk to any of the coaches. Other places might not have that. They might have a process you have to follow and it will take forever to get anything done.

John: Let's talk more about the people here. What do you like about the people here at Vyral?

Nick: They're pretty friendly. I can go outside and get something in my car and someone will be outside taking a break and say hi. During our team meetings, people are very talkative. It's more of a discussion than you just talking at us.

John: Do you have any memorable moments since you've been working here?

Nick: The Christmas party was fun. I've never had an office-type party, so that was a new experience.

John: How about a time where you specifically "wowed" a client?

Nick: I think the first one was James Torrance. He really liked his graphics and then it turned out that a lot of people who saw those graphics wanted something similar.

John: What would you tell someone that's thinking about working here?

Nick: If you want to learn your skillset and expand your skillset, come here. Be friendly, be open, you won't really get anywhere if you're too quiet. It's a great learning environment for you to develop your skills in.

John: Can you think of any specific traits of someone who shouldn't work here at Vyral?

Nick: Don't stay shy. If you're not friendly, and if you're not willing to be sociable, and if you're not willing to listen and learn on how to expand your skillset, then don't.

John: You're coming from an environment where you were pretty much doing 100% freelance and doing this to supplement your income. Does this job allow you to still do that freelance work?

Nick: Yeah. I just finished a project last Friday. It allows me time to do that, I just do it at night.