FROM ATHLETE TO APPRENTICE TO ACCOUNT COORDINATOR

By Amy Dragelin, Account Coordinator

I guess when they say the years start coming, they actually mean they don’t stop coming.

I am in a season of big life changes. Within the last six months, I ended a 15-year swimming career, graduated from college, moved to a new city, went through relationship changes, started and ended an internship, began a professional career, and moved… three times. 

As I settle into my 9‑to‑5 routine and embrace all the ups and downs of my new life in the ​“working world,” it is really encouraging to see how much growth has happened in the last few months. I just moved into my first apartment as a young adult and solidified the fact that Raleigh will be my home for the foreseeable future. Six months ago, I had no full-time job offer, which to be candid, was extremely stressful. I had turned down a previous offer because I didn’t feel like it was for me. As graduation loomed closer, and with every rejection email, I grew more and more worried that I made a big mistake. 

I will never forget my excitement over receiving an internship offer from French/​West/​Vaughan (FWV) and the relief I felt. I was on the way to Williamsburg, Virginia, to visit my grandparents for spring break (exciting, I know). I pulled off the interstate to read the email, too excited to wait. 

Fast forward to May 22, 2023, my first day as an apprentice. After orientation, I went to lunch with the five women who would be my supervisors for the next 12 weeks. During our conversation at Raleigh Times, something stood out to me. They all had a genuine friendship and interest in each other’s lives. It felt like I was talking with friends catching up on small life updates and laughing over silly stories. Little did I know that genuine interest and care extended to the full company of FWV.

The people at FWV care about their people. On my first day as Account Coordinator, I was greeted with a goodie bag and balloons on a decorated desk. In my second week of work, my mom was in the hospital. I only told three people and all of them went out of their way to check on her and extend their support. I quickly learned that at FWV, we look out for each other.

Moving to Raleigh was difficult. It took time to adjust to a new city. No one tells you how hard it is to make friends post-grad and I didn’t know how or where to start. But you just have to start. I have been blessed to meet some amazing people in the last few months at work and beyond and develop friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I am thankful the welcoming culture at FWV made my transition a little easier. 

Being at an agency, especially right out of college, can be intimidating because of all the moving parts and the broad scope of work that can be expected from you. On top of that, you’re learning the small things that come with having a job, like following email chains and how to ​“manage up” respectfully yet effectively. 

During my time at FWV as an apprentice, I gained exposure to a wide range of industries, including retail, sports, telecommunications, climate tech, and social media. It was an enriching experience that came with its own learning curve of jumping from client to client. As I progressed into my role as an Account Coordinator, I had the privilege of continuing relationships with clients I had previously worked to support as an apprentice. 

It’s been a month since I hit the ground running full-time at FWV and it is safe to say that I am learning a lot. Every day, I come to the office and get to work alongside some of the best in the business and learn as they interact with clients and collaborate with each other. I am thankful for this opportunity and am excited to continue growing in my professional career as a writer and communicator.