“Mouthwater?” my Dad asked, sounding skeptical…
“No, Dad. … Meltwater… I’ll be an International Management Trainee,” I explained while packing for my immediate departure to California in April 2008.

This was the deal; throw together a motley crew of dynamic, top tier individuals to train for one month in Meltwater’s established Silicon Valley office. From there, we would venture back to the Lone Star State of Texas to start the Austin edition of Meltwater News from scratch.

The Austin Cowgirls and Cowboys

“Sounds too good to be true,” was my Dad’s response. Something inside me was echoing the same, although the optimistic and overly adventurous voice in my gut was saying, “Just give it a shot.”

Our tight, yet extremely versatile, group of 7 spent the next two weeks in Meltwater Boot Camp learning the ropes, observing seasoned Silicon Valley veterans, prospecting during dinner, driving to Napa Valley on the weekends, and above all else… getting on the phones!

Austin comes to Silicon Valley

I must have reached out to half the state of Texas during the first 2 weeks, and literally engaged in 15 to 20 business conversations a week with executives. As new recruits, we were given direction, and autonomy. I was able to structure my own day, reach out to industries that interested me, and strategize with the Meltwater pros on how to develop my cases further whenever I needed their guidance.

My own personal career plan began to take shape quickly. I wanted to be a top seller in the company, find a way to move to Manhattan and save up for that 1954 Chevy Bel Air I had been dreaming of! Above all else, I knew I wanted to succeed and grow with this company. After two weeks, I had no doubts I could accomplish these goals at Meltwater.

Now, exactly 1 year later, I’m the Managing Director of the New York office, negotiating a deal for my new Upper West Side apartment, with a mint green 1954 Chevy Bel Air in the driveway at home.

Me and my Maybelline

Too good to be true? Hardly. The work is incredibly hard, but unbelievably rewarding.

Like we say in Texas, “Shoot for the Moon, and though you may fall, you’ll always be among the stars.”

With the New York team at Company Kick-Off 2009