Our mission here at The Muse is simple: to help you find your dream job. So, there’s nothing we love more than hearing about it when you do!
Today, we chatted with Carly Boehmer, Coordinator for an Employee Benefits team at NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property and casualty, retirement, and individual private client solutions.
Carly wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after graduating from college, but she was lucky enough to land at a great company that has allowed her time to figure out what she is passionate about. Thanks to NFP’s open-door policy, Carly feels comfortable asking questions, allowing her to learn from her teammates as she moves forward in her career.
Read on to learn more about her story, then check out NFP’s offices and see how you can land a great new gig of your own.
Tell us about yourself! Give us your elevator speech!
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area in a small town called Pleasanton. I’m a recent graduate of UC Davis where I studied Communications and American History. I’m a movie buff, and I also spend as much time as I can reading anything I can get my hands on. I’m a bit of a homebody, but I’m always up for an adventure, and there are plenty of them to be had when you live in the Bay Area.
What’s your new title? What does this actually mean in terms of what you’re doing day to day?
I’m a coordinator for an Employee Benefits team at NFP. My day usually consists of assisting my team’s account managers with anything they need. You might find me putting together new-hire packets for our clients, working with different carriers to solve a client service problem, or auditing bills and invoices to make sure that our clients’ employees are enrolled in the right coverage and being charged the correct rates. The best part of the job is that every day is a little different.
What were you looking for in a job?
At the end of the day, I wasn’t just looking for a job, I was trying to find a career. I wanted something that would allow me constant space to learn and grow as I progressed in my career.
What attracted you to the company or job when you found it on The Muse?
I really liked hearing firsthand what it was going to be like working in the position that I was applying for. After graduating, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do, so learning about all the different potential opportunities that a company like NFP offered made me realize that I don't need to know exactly what I want to do right now. As long as I’m part of a company that is invested in me, I will find what I’m passionate about.
What’s something most people would find surprising about working at NFP?
Everything we do is very personable. When I started working at NFP I was so impressed with the care everyone put into getting to know each and every client that we work with. Working with NFP isn’t just about a business transaction, it's about building a relationship.
What’s your favorite part so far about working at NFP?
Everyone is very dedicated to helping one another. There is a great open-door policy and I’m never afraid to ask a question or for help.
What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on so far or one you’re really excited about?
I’m excited to start working with our clients and their employees directly. As of right now, I’m still learning the ropes and observing my peers, so I’m excited that I’ll get questions and problems that I will have to figure out how to solve on my own soon.
Is there anything from The Muse that helped you out in your job hunt?
I really liked the “Explore Companies” tab. It led me to discover different companies in my area that I would never have known existed. For instance, I would never have discovered NFP if I hadn’t come across it in the Explore tab.
Is there anything in particular you did during your application process that you think helped you stand out and land the job?
I think the biggest thing that helped me stand out is that I personalized every application I sent out. Based on the job and position that I was applying for, I tried to connect my past work and educational experiences to show them why I was the right person for the position. I think it showed that I was motivated and had an actual desire to work for the company.
What advice do you have for someone who wants a job like yours or who is stuck in a difficult job hunt right now?
Don’t get discouraged. It can be difficult when you put a lot of effort into the application process and get turned down or, worse, never get a response. But, if you stick with it, eventually the right opportunity will find you.
Here at The Muse, we partner with a lot of great companies to bring you insider looks at their offices and awesome job listings. These employers pay us to be featured on the site, but rest assured that we don't just work with anyone. And when it comes to articles like this, these Muse-worthy brands are featured not because they want to be included, but because their culture, policies, and employee feedback showed us that they deserve to be. Here's to finding the company of your dreams!