The Faces Behind Magic:
As we revamp our social presence, we would like to feature the outstanding team members that compose the essence of Switchplace.
We would like you all to meet the glamorous Sarah Shields for our first feature. Sarah is one of our Customer Advocates whose day-to-day responsibilities include customer care, maintenance updates, and quality control/assurance.
To get to know Sarah better, we asked her some questions about her career experience and life interests.
What inspired you to choose your career path?
I had previously worked in a bakery and decided to switch paths to something completely different, with fewer third-shift hours. I was once interested in real estate, but I had no prior knowledge of the corporate housing industry until I began searching for real estate-related jobs. I came across a job posting within Switchplace and as I researched the position, it sounded like a good fit for my skills and interests, so I jumped in!
What Is your favorite part about building long-term partnerships with clients?
I've received messages from some of our long-term guests, who I assisted multiple times throughout their stay. They provide a personal goodbye and express that they hope to return to a Switchplace corporate apartment for future work projects. I love receiving those messages and knowing I've made a positive impact on our guests.
What words of encouragement would you like to share with young professionals currently choosing their career paths?
Don't be afraid to try new things – you might be surprised how well different skills can transfer over into entirely different industries. Be flexible, you may have your eye on a particular path, but a slightly different course can end up being perfect for you. Above all, if you find a great team, stick with it! A tight-knit group can outweigh any minor hurdle, and a toxic work environment can ruin a fulfilling career.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I read a lot of science fiction and fantasy, do some gardening, pet my cats and dog, and visit my family who lives nearby.
Describe yourself in three sentences:
I have a very sunny personality, and I love to smile! My friends and family all know I have a big heart and will always be happy to share it. If anyone needs a hand, they can always come to me.
