A year ago, I was finishing my marketing degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and wrapping up an internship at Adtran. I had no idea what came next.

That internship turned into a full-time role, and now, twelve months later, the biggest thing I’ve learned has nothing to do with technology. It’s about people and about how much care goes into keeping them connected.

Finding my feet in telecom

Going from intern to full-time was easier than I expected. Everyone at Adtran was willing to teach me, not just how the company works but how to be a professional. I never felt like I was asking too much. Questions were always welcome.

One of the hardest things to get my head around was simply how much Adtran offers. SDGs, ONTs, optical, software. It’s a huge portfolio, and every piece connects to something else. Coming from a marketing background, a lot of this was brand new to me, and I’m still learning. Optical is the area I’m most excited to dig into next.

I’ll also be honest: I started out with a serious case of imposter syndrome. I was surrounded by people who knew the industry inside and out, and I wondered where I fit.

Our internal sales kickoff helped change that. Seeing the sales team and every supporting team in one room, all with the same purpose, shifted my perspective. I stopped worrying about whether I belonged and started thinking about what I could contribute.

Learning by doing

The best way I’ve learned this industry is by doing the work.

One of the biggest opportunities I’ve had is organizing and leading our regional roundups. We’ve held roundups in Oklahoma, Indiana and Illinois, with Oregon and Alabama next. The idea is simple: bring service providers from a region into one room. We talk about where the industry is headed, how to keep members and subscribers happy, and how to navigate the new world of AI. Being part of those conversations gives me the chance to hear firsthand what service providers are dealing with and understand how we can help them succeed.

It’s one thing to read about a provider’s challenges. It’s another to be in the room while providers trade ideas with each other.

Seeing the “why” up close

Some of my favorite parts of the job are the visits. I get to meet with broadband co-ops, learn how each one is set up and then write up what I saw and learned for my boss. Getting to know providers like OEC Fiber, JCE Co-op and Sprout Fiber Internet gave me a real-life view of the work we do and why it matters.

What inspires me most is the member-first mindset. Co-ops carry it into everything they do. It’s the customer service reps who come in during an outage to take the load off their team. It’s the truck roll to help an elderly member hook up their smart TV. Those small moments are why we do what we do. Reliable, accessible internet can sound like a talking point until you see the people behind it showing up for their neighbors. After that, it’s not a slogan anymore. It’s personal.

Reliable, accessible internet can sound like a talking point until you see the people behind it showing up for their neighbors.

My favorite story from the year happened at Adtran Summit. I made an offhand comment about people online being upset that their 2028 LA Olympics tickets were for an event in Oklahoma City. I didn’t realize that the OEC Fiber team, based in Norman, Oklahoma, happened to be sitting right behind me.

They heard the whole thing and gave me plenty of grief for it. What started as an awkward moment turned into a big laugh, a very formal handshake and now a great working relationship.

Moral of the story: in this industry, the person sitting next to you might be your next customer, colleague or partner, so stay kind and keep your sense of humor.

I’ve been fortunate to have people in my corner too. Ash Brown, Amanda Halvorson and Jake Farmer have supported my desire to learn, grow and build my network from the start.

My biggest win from this year isn’t one project. It’s that when I walk into a room now, there’s always someone excited to ask how I’ve been and what fun new things I’m working on. That kind of connection can’t be rushed, and I’m proud of what a year of showing up and staying curious has built.

Looking ahead to year two

There’s still a lot I want to learn. In year two, I want to develop my public speaking and deepen my understanding of the portfolio, especially the optical side. With more regional roundups ahead, I’ll have plenty of opportunities to do both.

Most of all, I want to keep the member-first mindset I’ve seen at broadband co-ops at the center of what I do. Whether you’re building network technology, selling it, supporting it or operating a network for your community, ultimately the work comes back to the people relying on that connection.

My advice to anyone starting out

If you’re starting a career in telecom, my advice is simple: put yourself out there and ask questions. I’ve found an industry full of people who want to share what they know and support the next generation.

Getting involved outside my day-to-day role has been important too. I joined the Fiber Broadband Association’s Women in Fiber committee, where I’ve had opportunities to learn through monthly webinars and industry events and been matched with a mentor through its mentorship program.

This industry is overflowing with people who want to give back and help young minds grow. Taking one small step and getting involved can lead to huge leaps in your knowledge, experience and confidence.