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Current position: Owner of Conexión Marketing LLC, a Seattle agency that targets Hispanics in the Puget Sound region.
First job: Receptionist at Colombi RV & Marine, a now-defunct Shoreline dealership. I handled phones, filing and light typing duties – only I had no typing skills whatsoever and had to search for each key. In fact, it was my first time having to be professional at all, and the staff wasn't afraid to give me feedback.
How I got the job: A friend held the job previously and made an overnight decision to quit. She called me one morning and said, 'Hey, do you want a job?' I walked right over to the dealership and explained the situation and was immediately hired. I was especially excited since I was secretly only 15, and I worked every single day – including weekends – that summer.
What I learned: I learned that sometimes you can really land an opportunity by being in the right place at the right time. I also learned that a smile, good intentions and high spirits go a very long way when you're in training! Despite my lack of office skills, the staff kept me on during the busy summer months and I received valuable on-the-job training that I took to my next job. I believe they gave me a chance because I was punctual and showed a positive, can-do attitude.
