Welcome to another edition of our employee spotlight series! This month, we shine the light on our Purchasing Associate, Sydney Smith! Check out the blog below to learn more about her journey, her insights on career development, and more.
How many years have you worked at CSW?
I have worked at CSW for about a year and 9 months.
Do you have any pets? If so, tell us their name!
I do have a cat that I recently rescued from under my porch, her name is Mavis!
What is your favorite thing about working at CSW?
One of my favorite things about CSW is the support and encouragement I receive from the people I work with. It has helped me to stay focused and confident in my work/responsibilities.
You are early on in your career, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the future. What is a long-term professional goal of yours that you’re currently working towards, and what steps are you taking to achieve it?
My long-term goal is to continue developing professionally, improving my communication, problem-solving, and overall confidence. I am taking steps by seeking feedback and pushing myself to grow.
What’s something on your desk that cheers you up during the day?
Right now, the Christmas decor at my desk cheers me up during the day 🙂
If you had to choose an ice cream flavor that sums up your personality, which flavor would it be?
If I had to choose an ice cream flavor that sums up my personality, I would choose Neapolitan as it represents my friendly, adaptable side.
Tell us your favorite vacation or trip you’ve gone on and why it was so amazing!
My favorite vacation was to Hawaii. It is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. I did tons of hiking and snorkeling too!
What’s the most useful item you’ve purchased this year?
My most useful purchase this year was my new car. Having a better reliable vehicle gives me peace of mind.
What’s a TV show you recommend to everyone?
I watch a lot of reality TV and crime documentaries. I love shows that are suspenseful or give a glimpse into people’s lives, so I usually recommend anything in those genres because they are engaging and easy to get into. I don’t have a favorite!
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is that it is okay to take time to figure out what you are truly passionate about. I focus on learning, growing, and doing my best in every role. It helps me build skills I can carry forward throughout my career.
What is something about your role that most people wouldn’t know? Anything surprising, challenging, or exciting?
In my department, a surprising fact is we have created over 800 purchase orders in the last 3 months (More than our software shows!).
If you had to cook a meal for your whole team, what would be your go-to dish?
I would make a big pasta bar. Carbs are my comfort food!
You can be reincarnated for a day as any living or historical famous person. Who do you choose and why?
I would choose Mel Robbins. I would love to experience her perspective, see how she motivates and inspires people, and understand how she approaches challenges and productivity in her day-to-day life.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of our employee spotlight. Stay tuned for more!
