From Operations To Technology: My Rocket Journey

We’ve all had a moment when we discovered something amazing that we weren’t looking for. Aren’t most treasures found by people who just stumble upon them? Well, this happened to me while I was looking for a job – I was a little lost. I had gotten a degree in fashion design, hoping to someday work in fashion, but life rarely goes as planned and a lot of time, those unplanned things are what make it wonderful!

I’ve been with Rocket Companies® for 9 years now … I insist on counting my days as a contract team member because, “Every second counts.” I knew this would be a great adventure from day one.

My first day didn’t go as planned, I was 2 hours late when my 1-hour commute turned into a 3-hour commute because of a thunderstorm and I-75 traffic. Once I got past my first day, it was smoother sailing. I had never seen or imagined such a colorful office. When I attended ISMs Day, a day that introduces new team members to our company philosophies, my initial feeling of, “This is going to be a great place to work” was solidified. I felt so motivated to become a full-time team member that I did everything I could to be the “obvious choice” for a role when it opened up. I will never forget March 20, 2013, when my then leader gave me the news that I would be converted to full time.  

Over the years, I’ve had so many opportunities to try different things and participate in everything from blood drives, painting murals around the city, planting trees, cleaning neighborhoods and reading to students, and so many things in between. I’ve felt encouraged to invest my time in volunteering, something that’s always been a passion of mine, but I didn’t know I could do with a full-time job.  

I’ve also been able to take part in great conversations with team members and leaders, especially in the last year as we focus more on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some of these conversations have brought forth major changes, especially through our Team Member Resource Networks (TMRNs). I’m part of the Multicultural Alliance Network leader board where I get to share knowledge about the world with other team members and have meaningful discussions around current events and social issues many people face. We hold events to celebrate our diverse backgrounds and differences while gathering our similarities to grow stronger as people. Sometimes, I’ve left these meetings completely fascinated that I get to do this as part of my job.

My career itself has been a great example of how at Rocket Companies, having the drive to want something can turn into having it. I started as a temporary team member on the Verification of Employment (VOE) team and shortly after I converted to a full-time team member, started sharing my interest in moving to another team with my leaders, who then provided me with the support I needed to move forward. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn about what else was going on within the company.

After a handful of roles in Operations, I decided to transition from a Mortgage Underwriter to the Technology team. I thought I was crazy; here I am with a fashion degree and operations experience but believing that if I could just learn something new, I would do just fine. I took a chance on myself, and then was lucky enough to find leaders that were willing to take a chance on me, too.

If everything I said above doesn’t seem like a good enough reason to love this place, let me tell you that no matter which business area you go into, you’re going to meet some of the best people who will start to feel like family! The strong bonds I’ve been able to form with some of my teammates over the years are irreplaceable. Some of my closest friends outside of work are people I met at work. Not to mention, I met the love of my life here. No one knows what the future holds but I know that Rocket Companies will always hold a special place in my mind.