In this interview series, we speak with employees who were nominated by their teams as having a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneurship is a key indicator to success for employees starting their careers in the Enterprise Management Training (MT) Program.
Natalie M. started at Enterprise as an intern in 2017, then joined the Management Trainee Program. We asked Natalie to share her goals for the future and how she makes the most of every day on the job.
What made you decide to join Enterprise?
This time last year, I was in college at Florida International University and working at a hotel. I felt I wasn’t learning enough or getting promoted fast enough so I started looking for other opportunities. I spoke to an Enterprise recruiter, and two months later I started my summer internship. I joined the MT Program in January.
When I started college, I wanted to go into broadcast media or sports marketing. I thought it was the only way I could be happy. I saw working at Enterprise as an opportunity to gain experience, but since I started I haven’t even thought about sports marketing.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned at Enterprise?
Teamwork really does rule. It’s just as important to maintain relationships with other employees as it is to maintain relationships with customers. There’s no way we can get done what we do without help from each other.
What has surprised you the most about your career so far?
What surprised me the most when I first started was how much leverage I had, even with the title of Intern or Management Trainee. We have superiors to go to for advice, but if a customer is unhappy, it’s up to us to decide on a reasonable way to make things right.
Enterprise is a career, not a job. It’s something to build. When you take the right steps, so many other opportunities become open to you.
What is your favorite part about working at Enterprise?
The team I work with. Even after a bad day, I always look forward to another great day with my team. The way Enterprise treats their employees has a huge impact on that.
What goals do you have for your future?
I want to expand myself and my experiences. My goal is to become a successful branch manager, and from there go on to Fleet Management – building and maintaining those important relationships. I’m looking forward to the next few challenges. There are more things to come!
What advice would you give to someone with an entrepreneurial spirit looking to build a successful career?
No matter what job you have, it’s only as good as you make it. You’re going to have good days and stressful days. But at Enterprise, you know you’re going to get what you put in. That’s not always promised at other companies.