This post was written by Erin F., Corporate Communications Professional at Reynolds’ Dayton Headquarters.

When I finally heard the words, “We’d like to offer you the position,” I was over the moon. I don’t remember much after that other than scheduling my first day. After spending the previous eight months applying to approximately 300 post-grad jobs and only hearing from 10, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t even get an email back!

But the application process at Reynolds was painless. My correspondence with the Recruiting Department was encouraging and gave me the confidence I needed going into my interviews. They worked around my schedule and were open to answering any questions I had. My experience with Reynolds was far different than what I had experienced previously. A real-life person even read my resume!

The ease of the hiring process made me regret not applying sooner. In all honesty, I was apprehensive for several reasons, mostly because I did not know the automotive industry. Once I finally applied, I was reassured by recruiting that most people don’t start out knowing about automotive. And after a month, I’ve learned things about the company that I never expected but was pleasantly surprised by.

Women in Leadership
The first thing I noticed when I got to Reynolds was how many women are in management and executive leadership positions. As a young woman just starting her career, it’s encouraging to see women excelling in the corporate world. It’s empowering to know I could lead a team someday, too!

Emphasis on Wellness
Upon leaving college (and your parents’ house), there are many expenses you never had to consider before. With my 10-year student loan payment plan always in the back of my mind, it’s hard to imagine taking on any more regular expenses. I’ve only ever heard about how health insurance is a necessary evil, and always too expensive, but Reynolds’ generous plan has made it a less intimidating transition. Reynolds also wants to ensure employees are making fewer doctor’s visits in general. With on-site clinics, dining facilities with healthy meal options, and workshops to empower personal growth, there is a tangible culture of wellness at Reynolds that I was completely unaware of. The emphasis on employee health and wellness is a pleasant surprise, and I’m happy to know that my employer is looking out for me and my future.

Social Environment
From what I heard in college about typical office culture, I assumed it would be pretty antisocial and I’d only speak to my colleagues about work-related topics. At Reynolds, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I was shocked to see all the company-sponsored social events. From sports leagues and clubs to just having lunch with my team, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize with other associates. I also appreciated the efforts made by my team to ensure a seamless transition. On my first day, I was introduced to my mentor who has been very helpful during my venture into corporate life, educating me on the processes and facilities and making sure I’m comfortable socializing with the team.

Professional Development
One thing I thought I’d miss about college is the opportunity to learn. Sure, I expected training for my specific job, but there were other skills I wanted to develop. Learning how to be a better leader, better communicator, or even hard skills like learning productivity software seemed out of reach until I learned about Reynolds’ Internal Training Department. From day one, I was encouraged to participate in Reynolds’ professional development courses. Though many of these courses were standard training for new hires, I was also shown the extensive catalog of elective courses to further my development and education. Conquering Excel is still possible!

Trust in My Management
There are already many reasons Reynolds is a great place to work, but leadership still encourages associates to let them know how they can improve their experience. Since my first day, my supervisor has encouraged me to take advantage of her open-door policy with any concerns or ideas. Though I haven’t been here long, I know I can always count on the support of my management.

Even though it’s only been a month, I know there are more surprises in store for me here. Above all, I’ve learned that Reynolds promotes the satisfaction of their associates. It’s good to know that even a company that’s been around for over 150 years is still full of surprises. I can’t wait to continue my professional journey at Reynolds!

Looking for your first job out of college or making a career change? Check out Reynolds’ current job openings for entry-level positions.