For many, being an intern means taking part in midday coffee runs and accomplishing menial tasks. Yet that wasn’t the case for Micaiah “MJ” Holley.
Indeed, joining LeanIX’s customer success internship program proved to be a gamechanger for Holley’s career path. Not only did the program allow him to dive headfirst into the field, but it also gave him the chance to experience daily life at the company. By joining meetings and taking technical courses, Holley was fully immersed in both the company’s culture and the customer success realm.
CONTINUOUS TRANSFORMATION
Holley’s experience during the internship was so impactful that he decided to join the organization full-time as a customer support associate. He currently spends his days managing incoming Zendesk tickets from clients and customer success managers about possible issues, features or educational questions. While the program prepared him to take on this kind of work, he said the guidance he received from others throughout his internship laid the foundation for future success.
“The support I received from coworkers and the leadership team was extremely valuable for my professional development,” Holley said.
Built In Boston checked in with Holley to learn about his internship experience at LeanIX and how it helped him transition to life as a full-time employee.
What was your experience like during the internship program?
When I first started, I was invited to all meetings along with my coworkers and given a Trello board to track my status. I took academy courses that covered the company’s culture as well as the technical aspects of the position. I was also given novice tickets to handle minor issues and was encouraged to shadow other employees.
Throughout the program, I was continually encouraged to ask questions and be vocal whenever possible. This is something that I continue to praise LeanIX for, as I’ve never worked for a company that embraced open thinking and dialogue from every employee.
Describe moving from being an intern to full-time employee. Was it easy to acclimate to the new role?
The transition wasn’t difficult, as I was already equipped with the tools to handle the work. Our customer success leader made sure I was aware of the expectations bestowed upon me and our support team supervisor played a pivotal role in my development from the start. I owe both of them a lot for allowing me to learn at my own pace without falling behind.
A DECISION MADE SIMPLE
Tell me about LeanIX’s company culture. What opportunities does it unlock for employees, and how is it reflected in client relations?
LeanIX takes a very personal journey with its customers. We have no problem jumping on a call to get clarification when needed, and we schedule follow-ups when necessary to ensure they are being fully taken care of.
We also just received certificates after having completed diversity training. During the training session, we went over the definitions of inclusion and how to identify possible prejudices in the workplace. This training was important to me, as I’ve felt scrutinized and judged at previous positions simply because I look different than others. However, that has not been the case at LeanIX.
I was continually encouraged to ask questions and be vocal whenever possible.”
How has your experience as both an intern and full-time employee at LeanIX shaped your view of the company and wish to grow along with it?
I feel strong about my abilities to further my career with LeanIX. Prior to joining the company, I never had a job where I learned something new every day. Each day is different, which is a welcome change of pace. I look forward to continued growth at the company and in the SaaS industry.
