INSIDE MOMENTIVE

TJ Jackson talks about their inspiring career path at Momentive.

Molly Smith

July 18, 2022 | 3 min read

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

At Momentive, our goal is to be “where the curious come to grow”. We believe strongly in giving everyone a path to growth and an opportunity to shape what’s next in their career. 

To show that, we asked Momentive employees to share their own journeys and talk about how they #StayCurious. Each team member has shared their own unique experience, what motivates them, and lessons learned along the way, in the hopes that it will inspire you, and give you an idea of what it would be like to be part of our community. 

Curious to learn more about career opportunities at Momentive? We’re hiring! And as we looked to reimagine work for our employees, you have the power to choose where you work from.  

Role: Recruiting Coordinator

Time at Momentive: 2 years

Office: Ottawa, Canada

How does someone with a passion for customer service and building connections launch into a career in tech?

TJ Jackson, a recruiting coordinator at Momentive, knew their experience working with customers at Starbucks and Apple would be valuable in the tech space—but  they wanted to find a place that melded this with a personal passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

TJ says they found both at Momentive, and are ready to keep growing.

Finding their passion

TJ first joined Momentive on the customer operations team, providing queue-based support for customers who need help navigating our products. After spending 1 1/2 years in customer support, TJ knew they were ready to move on; they just needed to figure out the next step.

After being given the opportunity to represent Momentive at a Gradient Spaces event, a Canadian community that supports 2SLGBTQIA+ innovators, TJ felt a strong passion for talking about their own experience, our products, and why people would be interested to work at Momentive. This led them to consider a future career in talent acquisition.

Learning to trust themselves

In order to figure out if talent acquisition was the best next step, TJ focused on networking internally and having conversations with as many people as possible. TJ credits a mentorship opportunity for the push to apply for an open role.

“I signed up for a Momentive program called “Leader Chats” and was paired with a senior director in customer success. When I mentioned my curiosity about talent acquisition, I listed all the reasons I didn’t think it would work.” TJ says imposter syndrome kicked in. The leader told them, “I’m going to stop you right there. You’re closing that door before it’s even open.”

This advice helped TJ shift their perspective. “I was reminded that if you’re passionate, skills can be taught. You need to have drive and be willing to learn.” 

TJ applied, interviewed, and moved into the recruiting coordinator role a few months later.

Encouraging others to harness their own power

Since TJ made the move to talent acquisition, many of their former team members have reached out asking for advice on leaning into a new role. TJ says their best advice is, “Network with as many people as possible and don’t be afraid of titles; most people are willing to talk to you about growth.” 

In addition, TJ said it’s “important to own and understand your impact at the company. Know that the work you’re doing doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Curious to start your career journey at Momentive? Check out our open positions.