This is the second in a two-part series about what it's like to work at Yelp. Make sure to read yesterday's interview with Katie Burbank, Yelp's LA East community manager.
Brittany Bassett is proof it's possible to land your dream job simply by working toward what you love. Brittany is the LA West community manager for Yelp.com, the social networking, user review-based, online city guide. She came across a posting for her current job after searching around the web and researching the companies she admired. After a month long interview process, she was in. Now Brittany writes a review a day and spends the work week writing, planning and attending events, working with business owners and meeting countless new people. Brittany loves that her job enables her to bring businesses and consumers closer together.
Do what you love.
How did you discover your current job?
I was searching around the web and was looking at businesses I admired. I saw that Yelp was looking for a community manager in West LA and I applied online! I started the interview process, which was quite long, and about a month later, I started working!
What is your typical day like? What types of things do you do in your job?
My days are always different, which I love. Right now I am in the middle of a large promotion called Yelp Shops Local, so I am working on two huge events. I have at least two events per month, so I am always planning an event. Plus I spend a lot of time writing. I write a review a day, and I write the newsletter that goes out every Wednesday, always on a topic of my choosing!
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is meeting new people and bringing businesses closer to the consumer. I love when people will come to an event and then go back to the business a week or so later because they had such a great experience. The most challenging part of my job is dealing with disgruntled business owners because I like everyone to be happy!
What is the biggest personal sacrifice you have to make because of your job?
I'd say eating out and going out a lot, which sounds fun and believe me it is, but sometimes you want to stay in and put your feet up and this job doesn't allow for a lot of that.
What is one lesson you've learned in your job that sticks with you?
Kill 'em with kindness...try not to take things personally and in the end kindness will always get you the furthest!
What do you feel is the biggest challenge for women today, particularly females in your industry?
I think the biggest challenge women are facing today is a balance of work and family. We have the careers we want and it's finding the balance to be mothers and homemakers as well.
Who are your role models?
My mom is definitely a role model, as is Padma Lakshmi. She has worked her way up and created such a diversified portfolio of businesses from cookbooks to jewelry. Plus, she is a mom now!
What are some of the rules you live by?
Honesty! I believe in being honest, and sometimes I may be too honest.
What advice do you have for girls who want to be in your industry?
Do what you love. That advice was given to me years ago and I am so glad that I stayed true to it.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Still writing about food, planning events and being passionate about what I do.
What are three things you love aside from your job?
Exercise (I have to burn off all the food), travel (I love exploring new places) and quality time with family and friends.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I used to think that a dream job was unrealistic, especially at a young age. But now I firmly believe that if you work hard and work toward what you love, you can find a career that will be really fulfilling.