Office Hours: Q&A with Jamie Rutter, Head of Employee Social Media, United Airlines
This post is part of our new weekly “Office Hours” series, featuring career, workplace and leadership tips from females I admire.
In this interview, my friend, Jamie Rutter, Head of Employee Social Media at United Airlines shares opportunities that have elevated her professional career, what keeps her motivated and engaged at work and at home and why it’s important to advocate for yourself.
“Be useful, even when you don’t have to be. It’s as simple as if someone sends a request that doesn’t fall into your job’s scope, go out of your way to find the right person to connect them to. I think this kind of positive interaction sticks with people and makes them think highly of you for more than just doing your job.”
What do you do for work?
The short, no-jargon version is: I aim to get as many of our tens of thousands of employees as possible to feel encouraged and confident in sharing their passion for their jobs on social media.
How did you get to your current position?
United was on my shortlist of dream companies to work for, so when an opening I was qualified for was posted, I jumped at it! Actually, I jumped at three hoping one would stick. I bugged so many recruiters on LinkedIn because I didn’t know anyone there and voila!
What is your morning routine?
Wake up, check notifications on my phone (and Facebook Memories to delete the cringey ones), shower, make coffee for my boyfriend and I, then try to get a head start on emails before my standing 9am team meeting.
What advice do you have on building a strong network and connections?
Be useful, even when you don’t have to be. It’s as simple as if someone sends a request that doesn’t fall into your job’s scope, go out of your way to find the right person to connect them to. I think this kind of positive interaction sticks with people and makes them think highly of you for more than just doing your job.
What is your biggest career accomplishment?
That’s so tough because I’ve worked on a lot of “firsts” alongside some brilliant people! But I guess I have to go with this Chicago Tribune article because it puts some of my favorite coworkers on a pedestal, which they so deserve, as participants in a program I run.
What is your biggest career mistake or failure?
Early on, I made career decisions based off other people’s needs and not my own, which held me back from seeking better opportunities. So when I finally got into the big leagues, I was at a competitive disadvantage because I had no idea what I was actually worth and didn’t know how to advocate for myself.
What’s the most recent thing someone did that really impressed you?
I’m always so impressed and happy when someone advocates for themselves and goes for their goals. Gotta give my friend Silvia a shoutout for moving to a new team with really high-visibility projects because she’s going to CRUSH IT.
How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?
I’m still figuring that out, to be honest. I’m really bad about not turning work “off” and getting mental breaks, but I love my job so much that I don’t really mind!
What’s the best career advice you ever received?
Here’s a recent favorite that I’m trying REALLY hard to remember no matter how stressed I am: “always assume positive intent.” When you get defensive, of course the other person will, too. By looking for a good “why” behind their actions, you’ll find conflicts are suddenly much more productive.
Favorites:
Favorite Apps: All the fast food ones because #deals. Never pay full price for anything, y’all, even burgers.
Favorite Books: Crucial Conversations
Favorite Shows: THE BOYS ON AMAZON. IT’S SO GOOD.
Favorite Websites: This is very niche, but alltrails.com. As a wannabe-adventurer with terrible navigation skills, it’s perfect for helping plan Instagrammable, but managable, hikes.
Favorite Gadget: Do portable batteries count? Because those have saved my butt many times.
Favorite Podcasts: Please send me recos!
