Coming back to work for a company that I previously interned with was the best decision I could have made.
After my time with SPC last summer, I went into my final year of school with the knowledge and experience I gained and had one of my best years academically. Amidst all the chaos of COVID-19, ending my senior year virtually, and graduating without a ceremony, SPC was my light at the end of the tunnel.
Looking Back
If you’ve read my collaborated blog with my former classmate, Bridget Johnson, from UW-Stout, then you know how much I enjoyed my internship experience last summer. If not, let me do a quick recap. It was a blast and very educational! SPC’s rotational program, allowed me to learn the world of direct mail—from front to back. During my thirteen weeks with the company, I rotated through various departments including the pressroom, the lettershop, the bindery, scheduling, postal logistics, prepress, estimating, and accounting. I also got to work very closely with the account managers and assist them with different aspects of their jobs. It was fast-paced and exciting. And the wide variety of exposure to all aspects of the business showed me what I liked and what I didn’t. This means it only confirmed that accounting and estimating were definitely not in my future! The best part about interning at SPC was that I felt like my voice was heard throughout my time there. As my experience continued, I was frequently asked what departments interested me the most and each time I responded with Account Management and Marketing. However, there were no internal marketing positions available within SPC … until now.
Aligned Vision
When SPC first approached me about their new Associate Marketing Manager position, I was appreciative to know that SPC not only remembered my interest in marketing, but that they actually acted upon it. The position turned out to be a perfect fit for what I was looking for since it involved both print and marketing. This past May, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications and a double minor in Digital Marketing and Project Management. I thought a marketing position at a print facility was too good to be true coming right out of school, particularly with all the recent changes in the economy and the job markets. It’s been great for me. And SPC gets the benefit of hiring someone who has had three months of experience with the company. A true win-win situation.
Onboarding During a Pandemic
The transition was about as easy as it gets. I was onboarded remotely and did all of my training virtually for the first three weeks of my employment. I was able to work through a quick re-introduction to SPC, an introduction to the marketing team I’d be working with, and I was on my way! I’ve enjoyed my time back with SPC immensely and I couldn’t ask for a better start to my career.
Looking Ahead
My time with SPC has been an even greater experience than I could have ever hoped for. The LeFebvre family have all been great role models in showing what hard work and dedication can get you in this industry. All of my co-workers have been so friendly and welcoming. Whenever I have a question, I truly feel like I have a mentor in my corner in whatever department it may relate to. I’m most excited and thankful for the opportunity to help SPC grow and for the home this company and Chicago have provided for me. I look forward to what lies ahead.
Mia Bartel
Associate Marketing Manager
