Coleman Research encourages employees’ professional and personal growth through ample internal growth opportunities. Throughout this progression, we provide extensive training and support to set our people up for success. Recently, we interviewed Justin Giles on his new promotion to Associate Client Manager in our Raleigh office.
Can you tell us a little information about your experience at Coleman?
Since I joined Coleman almost 3 years ago (although it seems more like 3 months—time really does fly), I have had the opportunity to work for several clients under several great managers in ever-growing roles. As such, I’m grateful to have gained exposure to a number of different styles of client, project and people management.
What were you doing before you joined?
Before joining Coleman, I did a brief stint of freelance photography/videography gigs. I engaged in activities like helping local artists shoot music videos, portraits/headshots and helping film for a food reporter.
Where did you go to school? What was your major?
I went to school at UNC Chapel Hill, and graduated in 2016 with a degree in Communications with a focus on Media Studies and Production, and a minor in Hispanic Studies.
What made you decide to join Coleman?
While photography/videography has always been a passion of mine, after graduating, I found myself simultaneously pursuing full-time employment that would afford me more traditional business experience and skills that I could apply throughout my professional career. Little did I know that Coleman would be the perfect place for that!
What has been your most memorable experience?
Undoubtedly, it was DJing last year’s holiday party in Raleigh. The Coleman holiday party is typically a night to remember in and of itself, but I like to think I helped turn things up a notch!
How does the ACM role differ from your senior associate role?
The ACM role offers a bit more responsibility in the ways of both project and people management. I have now begun transitioning into leading projects and engaging in increasingly client-facing functions. I also help my team strategize, grow and develop both as individuals and as a whole.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your new role? The most rewarding?
Both the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the new role has to do with providing guidance and leadership to my colleagues. While I’m still fairly new to a role that directly warrants people management as part of the day to day, nothing is more rewarding to me than seeing my colleagues succeed.
What advice would you give to analysts, associates and senior associates about the next step in their Coleman client management career path?
If I could offer any advice it would be to not be afraid of asking for help. On the contrary, ask as many questions and learn as much as you can from your colleagues. I’m sure we’ve all heard “people are our greatest resource” at some point or another, and I think that we can stand to benefit from our people not just as a company, but on an individual level.
For more information about our career path and growth opportunities at Coleman, please visit the careers page on our website: https://www.colemanrg.com/careers