Employee Spotlight

Merri Pettijohn

What is your History with Volt?
This is my first assignment with Volt and I have been very pleasantly surprised by all the great support Volt provides its associates. From the responsiveness of my HR Rep to the onsite classes offered at convenient hours, I’m taking every opportunity to take advantage of it. (I’m telling you boys and girls, you don’t get this everywhere.)

Which group are you currently working with and what are you doing?
Working as a Program Manager with the Microsoft Office - Visio Product Marketing Group assisting in the rebirth of www.visiotoolbox.com. ***Coming this month to a web browser near you*** By far this is my largest project and I am managing the content of the site, overseeing the general design and graphics. During my “down time” I assist the Visio Marketing team with content creation for internal communiqués, publish the Visio PMM Newsletter, and manage the team //ThinkVisio internal SharePoint site. (And other duties as assigned by your immediate manager. Yesh, as if that were not enough…)

What do you like most about your job?
I am learning from the best. I get the opportunity to flex my creative muscle and work with a fantastic group of people that both challenges and encourages me.

What advice would you give to an employee starting their first assignment at MS?
The same advice I would give to anyone starting a new position. “The only stupid question you will ever ask is the one you don’t ask.” Sounds counter intuitive but I’d rather have my repetition questioned than my mistake expounded upon. Microsoft Employees have a reputation for being fairly laid-back. But keep in mind that you are working with some of the most intelligent people on the planet and first and foremost, “THEY are the CLIENT.”

What advice would you give to someone who was interested in breaking into your field?
Run. Haha… No really, take up juggling. Just through the mechanics of juggling you can understand the field of Program/Project Management. You can’t just touch a thing and expect it to fly. You need to continually be monitoring it to ensure it arrives at it destination.

When you’re not at work, what do you spend your time doing?
Philanthropic DIY: I’m a nut for building things myself. Sheds, decks, renovating a bathroom, putting in stone countertops. Love the challenge of figuring out an electrical circuit for a dual switch or connecting all the plumbing and making it work right. It’s even better when you do it for someone who otherwise can’t do it for themselves. All organized through organizations like United Ways Day of Caring.

Any other fun facts about yourself that you would like to share (example- any hidden talents?)
Mother always said I was too honest to be a politician. So I’m not running for office and you can’t make me!