Reynolds’ associate-base is made up of a wide variety of educational backgrounds – including some that ended up in positions that don’t exactly correlate with their original field of study. Meet four current associates and learn a little about their educational journeys and how they landed a job here at Reynolds:

• Cassidy Abner, Recruiting
• Kyra Houlé, Remote Software Implementation
• Bruce Hughes, Marketing – Video Team
• Danielle Tarbert, Product Management

Where did you go to school, and what did you study?

Cassidy: I received my bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Miami University’s regional campus in Middletown, Ohio.

Kyra: I hold a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Bruce: I studied Dynamic Figure Drawing at the School of Advertising Art, now known as The Modern, in Kettering, Ohio.

Danielle: I started as an International Studies major at Bowling Green State University, but I transferred to Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.

How did you find yourself at Reynolds, and what do you do now?

Cassidy: I started with the company as a part-time associate during college and went through our summer internship program. After falling in love with Reynolds, I accepted a full-time position in the Recruiting department and currently work as a Corporate Recruiter. I move candidates through our hiring process and work closely with departments across the company to evaluate business needs. I love giving job offers – I like to say that I “make dreams come true!”

Kyra: I found Reynolds through a LinkedIn ad and currently work as a Mergers and Acquisitions Consultant in Remote Software Implementation. When a customer has a need, I collaborate with them to set expectations and see what solution best fits their needs, and then I send them to one of our trainers. The trainer works with them to set up and get the most out of their software, but I still see the process through to completion.

Bruce: I was working in TV and decided I wanted to move to a bigger, more challenging market, so I ended up back in Dayton. I initially interviewed for a Graphic Design position, but I was offered a position more suited to my passions and skills. I work as a Visual Development Artist on our video team, and every day is different, which I love. My day can include anything from writing, acting, directing, and shooting to animation and video/audio editing.

Danielle: A close friend was working for Reynolds at the time and heard about an open position, so I applied and got the job. Now, I work as a Product Manager for Reynolds Certified Interface, which allows dealerships to secure the data they transfer between third-party vendors. I work with outside vendors to ensure they are able to safely receive and send data to our software. I’m also involved in designing new product integrations and quality assurance testing.

How does your educational experience help you in your current role?

Cassidy: Material from my communication classes come into play every day. I learned what makes people tick, as well as how to appropriately communicate in professional environments, which is applicable outside of Reynolds, as well. I talk to college students at career fairs and I collaborate with all of our departments when it comes to hiring, so clear communication that is tailored to each of their needs is crucial to the company’s success.

Kyra: Studying philosophy taught me how to think critically and think through every decision before making it. I’m originally from Germany and speak the language fluently, but I took philosophy of language classes that have forced me to think through what I’m saying and consider the repercussions of how my words can affect the people around me. I interned at a German law firm in college, which helped me learn how much work I can handle and when to ask for assistance or advice, especially since my current position is pretty self-guided.

Bruce: I went to a mid-tier design school, which meant I worked with individuals coming from diverse backgrounds. We didn’t learn on the “latest-and-greatest” technology, which has helped me adapt and solve problems with quick critical thinking, which is applicable in any workplace. I have no problem talking to people and feel like I can relate to anyone, and it’s easy to recognize and embrace differences and diversity.

Danielle: In my current role, I love solving puzzles, documenting my findings, and explaining what I believe is needed to find a resolution. This is a component that definitely translated well from my Anthropology courses – they were largely research-based, with the end goal of me being able to communicate my findings in an essay or exam response.

Cassidy, Kyra, Bruce, and Danielle are just a few associates whose stories prove that your college major doesn’t necessarily define your career path. Some of the most applicable lessons you learn in college don’t come from a textbook – rather, they come from personal experience. Regardless of your educational background, there’s a place for you to grow, learn, and contribute to our winning team! Check the careers page for current job openings.