Special Series: Why I Work Here by Suzanne Hasbrouck
“Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it, they will want to come back and see you do it again, and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.” – Walt Disney
Now well over 20 years in the MR industry, I look back and think what an amazing ride its’ been. Starting out in mailing list marketing, transitioning to a role working with data, and finally making it to my goal career – anything in Market Research. People laugh when I tell them I’ve wanted to work in MR since my Senior year of HS. Even back then, friends were like “Okaaaayyyy – what’s that?” What it is to me is an exciting, relevant, ever-growing industry that touches so many parts of everyone’s daily lives without them even realizing. And I get to be a part of that!
I began my research career at a small, boutique online research firm – my role, “Custom Panel Manager”. By the time I outgrew my small company, I was heading the “Custom Panel Group”, which had grown from 5 Panels to over 45 in just a few years. It was an awesome start to my MR career, and I learned the ins & outs of the industry in that role, but after 6 years it was time to move on.
One large company and a few small companies later I had increased my knowledge significantly – in Quantitative Research, in areas of Qual, Panels & Communities, moderating, recruiting & managing Panels, designing & programming surveys – you get the picture. So, when the opportunity arose to interview at Paradigm Sample, I was interested and excited for the potential. What could I offer them? Had I learned enough throughout my career to be an asset to the Team? What could they offer me? It was time to find out!
After multiple initial interviews with the Team in Port Washington, I had a feeling I didn’t get all that often, especially from an interview, but I attribute it to all the people I met with. I met with individuals who were in roles at all levels, and everyone was intelligent, down-to-earth, friendly, and honest. It was a comfortable, welcoming feeling – without pressure – which you do not often experience during (or after) an interview. I honestly walked out of here so excited and anxious to hear about next steps.
Fast-forward to today. Almost 3 years now with Paradigm and I’m still excited – and proud – to come to work here every day. The Teams are all supportive and EVERYONE is knowledgeable in so many areas. In addition, Paradigm offers me numerous ways to grow & learn EVERY DAY, and that is truly supported by colleagues at every level & in every role. You must love what you do (which I do), but you must love where (and with who) you do it as well – and I do!
Every company I have been with, every role I have held has made me who I am today, and I do appreciate that, but there is a difference in the atmosphere and culture at Paradigm. I felt it the first time I met with everyone here. And I still feel it every day and every time I take on a new challenge – Paradigm is generous with opportunity, and they provide everything I need to be successful. There are zero reasons why I wouldn’t want to be here!
