Andrew Hatam
Systems Analyst
Irving, TX
Annie Benson
Client Services Track
Chicago, IL
Basant Badr
Systems Analyst
Wakefield, MA

Please select a graduate to see their replies

Andrew Hatam, Business Systems Track

Do you have any advice for students on getting hired for an internship or full time role?

My main advice would be to learn and understand Epsilon’s business before speaking to recruiters and interviewing. Read case studies of our previous work, especially if it’s with a store or brand that you support. I’m always impressed when I speak to students who show a deep understanding of what the company does. Taking a SQL course wouldn’t hurt either!

What new skills have you learned since joining Epsilon?

I’ve developed many new technical and professional skills in my career at Epsilon. The New Grad Program provided me with several trainings on topics such as business intelligence tools, SDLC methodologies, and even professional etiquette. I’m proficient at SQL and understand how relational databases function to a great extent. I’ve also learned how to interact with a client and deliver work based on their requirements.

Are your daily responsibilities structured, varied day to day, or a combination of both?

My day-to-day routine has many structured tasks but there is still lots of variation. Things such as new client requests, trainings, and meetings can change how my day plays out. I really enjoy my job’s balance between structure and variation and look forward to a new challenge every day.

How would you describe the office culture at Epsilon?

Epsilon has a laid-back, yet professional culture. Though we get to wear jeans and comfy shoes, we work hard and deliver results. If we are stressing over a challenging task, we can always take a break and play a game or two in the arcade. The company also values health and provides us with many options such as a 24/7 gym, health programs, and an annual fitness reimbursement. Since being healthy is important to me, I really appreciate the fact that my company supports these resources!

What was the best part of being in the Intern or New Grad Program (or both)?

The friends you make! My first day at Epsilon felt similar to starting a new semester in school since I was surrounded by peers my age who were also beginning their careers. We got to know each other well through several lunches, trainings, and company-sponsored events. Gaining a network through the New Grad Program really helped me with my transition from college to career.

Annie Benson, Client Services Track

How did find out about Epsilon, and why did you choose to work here?

I first heard about Epsilon when Bryan Kennedy, Epsilon/Conversant Chief Executive, came to speak at my alma mater. As an alumus of the same institution, Bryan spoke about how his education prepared him for a career in marketing and business leadership. His transition from the classroom to the workplace inspired me to apply for a position with Epsilon. There are many reasons why I chose to work at Epsilon, two of them being the strength of the New Grad Program and the opportunity to work with diverse individuals who have a variety of skills and expertise. Ultimately, Epsilon is a company that I desire to grow with, and I couldn’t have picked a better place to start my career.

Do you have any advice for students on getting hired for an internship or full time role?

It is really important to be yourself throughout the entire interview process. Many people understand the question, “Tell me about yourself” as an opportunity to expand on their resume and accomplishments. Don’t fall into that trap. Instead, talk about the compelling sides of you that aren’t represented on paper, and show the interviewer that you are more than a list of impressive experiences. Those impressive experiences will speak for themselves, and chances are, the interviewer will ask you about them later in the interview.

Are your daily responsibilities structured, varied day to day, or a combination of both?

While I have a set list of daily responsibilities, the majority of my to-do list is very different each day. My responsibilities change based on Client projects and needs. Therefore, I am always being challenged in new and growth-producing ways.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The best parts of my job are the people I work with. My team members are some of the most creative and dynamic minds I know. They challenge me to do my best and to grow every day.

How would you describe the office culture at Epsilon?

The Epsilon office culture is one of collaboration, ideation, and hard work. The downtown Chicago office has an open concept; meeting rooms have glass walls and desks are grouped together in open areas throughout the office. My coworkers form a community that works hard, and leaves room for fun. There are plenty of organized activities that bring everyone together, such as trivia nights, potlucks, and Habitat for Humanity build days.

What does the career path look like for someone in your role/on your team?

Client Services has a rather straightforward career path in terms of the types of roles that one can fulfill. With each role transition, the responsibilities become more focused on brand and tactical strategy, and tend to become less executional in nature. All Client Service roles are meant to function in a team setting, which means that collaboration and relationship building are key, no matter the job title.

Basant Badr, Business Systems Track & Leadership Rotation Participant

How did find out about Epsilon, and why did you choose to work here?

I found out about Epsilon through campus recruiting at BC. Epsilon was very involved by coming to career fairs, seminars, and networking events. It really showed they were invested and this encouraged me to apply. I was excited about joining the team because of the insightful conversations I had, the welcoming culture, and the robust New Grad training process.

Do you have any advice for students on getting hired for an internship or full time role?

Be proactive about reaching out to people who are doing the work you see yourself doing in the future! These conversations will give you perspective and will align your assumptions with a range of real experiences. When you start applying for internships or full time jobs, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you sincerely understand the inner workings of the position you’re interested in.

What was the biggest adjustment you had to make from college to the workplace?

There are so many to list but one of the most valuable is managing expectations. As a student, you are solely responsible for yourself. In the professional realm, the number of stakeholders increases and Epsilon taught me how to successfully navigate this new landscape.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is seeing the impact of our work when a project goes live. It is very worthwhile when a client’s business requirements become a tangible deliverable.

What was the best part of being in the Intern or New Grad Program (or both)?

The best part of the New Grad program is that you are coming in with a group of people who are all in the same shoes walking towards the same direction. Having this support system on day one is truly reflective of the Epsilon culture.

Thomas Sundstrom, Database Development Track

Do you have any advice for students on getting hired for an internship or full time role?

Don’t be caught off guard by how technical and complicated marketing can be! Get exposed to SQL queries, relational databases, and the concept of big data.

What was the biggest adjustment you had to make from college to the workplace?

One of the biggest adjustments from college to the workplace is getting accustomed to not having extensive time off in the summer and winter. This is more than made up for by not having homework as an ever-present worry and getting to consistently work on things that are actually enjoyable!

What new skills have you learned since joining Epsilon?

As a Business Administration major, I have gained many technical skills I could not have ever imagined before becoming a developer. I can now query a relational database using SQL, manipulate files in LINUX, transform data in Ab Initio, truly use Microsoft Excel to my advantage, and analyze big data in Oracle. These were all foreign to me before my career here at Epsilon.

Are your daily responsibilities structured, varied day to day, or a combination of both?

When I started as an Operations Business Systems Analyst at Epsilon, my daily responsibilities were very structured. I would monitor daily database updates, set schedules, and troubleshoot routine errors. Now that I am a developer, my day-to-day tasks are quite varied. I can be fixing a critical production bug with my team one day and working on a month-long project the next. I enjoy the balance of some structure and variation.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I especially enjoy fixing production issues and minimizing the delay a bug or failure may cause to our daily operations. It is almost like a game or race to see how fast you can troubleshoot and fix things!

How would you describe the office culture at Epsilon?

The Epsilon office here in Colorado is very casual and friendly. Fellow employees are always willing to help and there is never a reason to be afraid to ask questions. This really accelerates learning as a new employee. The camaraderie here is also exceptional. It is common for teams to work hard together and solve pressing issues for a client in the morning, go for a walk together as friends on one of the surrounding paths in the afternoon, then finish off a productive day together back in the office.