A Day in the Life of an Associate – Q&A
Chi Pham
How would you describe the culture at TGG?
TGG’s culture is entrepreneurial, courageous and team-oriented. We are a team that celebrates courage and doing things differently. We have a growth mindset, take ownership and operate with urgency.
What does a day in the life look like for an associate?
A day in my life varies depending on what project I’m working on at the moment. Setting our clients up for success and helping them uncover insights and ideas are my top priorities. No matter what I’m doing on a given day, that’s always the north star. Sometimes that means sitting in interviews, analyzing a study, preparing for a session or putting together deliverables.
What previous life experience has helped you during your time at TGG?
Previously I also worked in innovation consulting so it was a smooth transition into this role. I have a habit of staying on top of trends and reading about changes in the market, which really helps my work at TGG. Having done many client projects before, I also learned to empathize with the client. Finally, I love Tik Tok, especially reading the comments, which allows me to keep a pulse on consumers’ opinions.
Outside of work, where else do your entrepreneurial traits show up?
I love to learn and try new things. You can always find me keeping up with new activities, new food, new music, new books, new people and new ideas. Even if the new things I tried ended up being terrible, I’m still very optimistic to try more things. Being open minded and being able to “bounce back” definitely show up in my everyday life.
Why did you say “yes” to a job at The Garage Group?
Before working full time, I had an internship at TGG and I really love the work we do and the people I work with. It’s important for me to constantly feel challenged and feel like I have ownership and can make a difference for the clients.
Tell us about a time you feel you made an impact.
I feel that I made an impact anytime the clients are happy with the deliverables. Knowing that they are happy with our work and will share it with their team for future projects is a good feeling.
What’s the most fun part about working at The Garage Group?
For me there’s two most fun parts about working at The Garage Group: the challenges and the team. I love a good challenge that requires me to think outside the box and pushes me to learn new things. I’m always super excited to be alongside the Director and the Clients for challenging projects. The challenge wouldn’t be fun without the right people there to tackle it with me. Our team is incredible – both professionally and personally. I learn so much from everyone and I always enjoy our conversations.
What music do you listen to when you’re hard at work?
I’m an RnB girl so you can always find me jamming out to my RnB playlist. Lately I’ve been re-listening to Justin Bieber’s Journals (RnBieber!)
If you could be any animal for a day, what would you be and why?
I would be an anemone in a high traffic area so I can watch the sea creatures all day. If I’m feeling more active, I would want to be a dolphin in the condition that my friends have to be dolphins for the day too. I’m interested in exploring the sea but also to uncover if the dark facts about dolphins are true.
Alex Reed
How would you describe the culture at TGG?
Our work culture is good! We are a fun, smart, hard working, and creative team with all very different backgrounds, experiences, and interests. We are all unique, but we come together in a really awesome way. We work very hard and expect our teammates to do the same. We always have each other’s back.
What does a day in the life look like for an associate?
I typically know what each day will look like, and my objectives for the day/week. Each project has a tight timeline, and it’s important that we are always thinking ahead and ready to adjust for pivots. Some days can go off the hinges, but I can always ask my teammates for help if I need it.
What previous life experience has helped you during your time at The Garage Group?
My work on an Innovation Team for a corporation was really helpful for this job. I’ve had exposure to research, consumer empathy, and commercialization. I’ve been on the client side, so I know what their workload is like outside of the project I’m helping with. I also have experience working for a small business, so I understand what it means to operate with lean resources and think like an entrepreneur.
Outside of work, where else do your entrepreneurial traits show up?
My side hustles. I love passive income and I’m always looking for ways to make my money work harder. I made some risky real estate investments, but I know my city well, so I listened to my gut and made a leap. It was so scary, but I’m thankful I did it!
Why did you say “yes” to a job at TGG?
At my previous job, my work was super repetitive and extremely stressful – I needed something new. At TGG, I can be creative at work, and I get to innovate and solve problems every day. Plus, it’s a female-owned business!
Tell us about a time you feel you made an impact.
At work, I feel like I am able to make an impact with the client when I bring new insights and the voice of the consumer to them. I am fully immersed in the projects, and I love being confident enough to bring a recommendation to them.
What’s the most fun part about working at The Garage Group?
The team and I love jumping into new projects and working with fun brands!
What music do you listen to when you’re hard at work?
NPR! I like to learn, and I love the monotone sound so I can focus!
If you could be any animal for a day, what would you be and why?
A Cat – so I can be sassy and sleep all day under the blankets. I’m secretly pretty lazy and a huge homebody.
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