September 2024
As the leaves begin to turn and the breeze of September fills the air, it’s the perfect time to reflect on stories of growth and transformation. This month we proudly spotlight Brandon Vue, a Young Professional whose journey through our program has been nothing short of inspiring. From his initial steps as an intern at Target to securing a full-time position, Brandon’s story is a testament to the power of determination, collaboration, and opportunity.
Discovering Genesys Works
Brandon first learned about Genesys Works during his junior year of high school, thanks to his advisory teacher. At the time, he was enrolled in the demanding full International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Although he found value in the “Theory of Knowledge” class, he yearned for more practical experiences. Genesys Works presented itself as a timely alternative, offering real-world opportunities without the additional academic burden.
The Impact of Summer Training
Summer Training with Genesys Works was a pivotal experience for Brandon. It not only helped him develop a sense of camaraderie with his peers, but also pushed him out of his introverted shell. The skills and confidence he gained during this period continue to serve him well today.
Developing Skills at Target
Target has hosted and impacted the lives of a remarkable 530 interns during 14-year partnership with Genesys Works. The collaboration between Target and the Genesys Works team is a win-win giving interns a challenging and rewarding experiences, preparing them for successful careers, and providing opportunities for Target Team Members to coach and mentor our future business and tech leaders. During his internship at Target, Brandon’s growth was remarkable. His supervisor treated him as an equal, fostering an environment where he could thrive. Target’s collaborative culture, including initiatives like ’50 Days of Learning’ and ‘Demo Days,’ played a crucial role in honing his technical and professional skills. These experiences allowed Brandon to mature quickly and transition seamlessly from intern to full-time Target team member.
A New Self-Perception
Before joining Genesys Works, Brandon was apprehensive about the corporate world. Classrooms seldom prepare students for such environments, but Genesys Works’ Summer Training bridged that gap. The core lessons he learned stayed with him, transforming his fear into confidence.
Family and Friends’ Reactions
Brandon’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and his friends and family are immensely proud. Securing an internship during high school and converting it into a full-time job is a unique and life-changing achievement.
Not all Career Paths are the Same
Brandon’s story highlights a truth about the myriad paths to career development. Some find their paths taking them to a 4-year college, Community College or Technical School, Some, like Brandon, take theirs directly to their career. In Brandon’s case, that meant after finishing his internship, he applied for a position directly through Target, interviewed and was invited to join Target as a full-time team member. Converting from his internship, straight to a full-time position in his field of interest was a big advantage for Brandon. While many of his peers are still navigating their college paths, Brandon is already on track for a lifelong career.
Sharing the Genesys Works Experience
Brandon often shares the impact Genesys Works has had on his professional journey. He emphasizes the incredible events and networking opportunities that come with being part of the program. These experiences have opened doors he never thought possible.
Advice for Future Applicants
To high school students considering Genesys Works, Brandon offers this advice: “take the leap of faith. While you may have to sacrifice some of your summer and part of your day, the benefits far outweigh the costs. This opportunity has the potential to change your life and open doors to unimaginable possibilities.”
Life at Target
Today, Brandon holds the title of Engineer at Target, a role closely related to that of a Software Engineer or Software Developer. He collaborates with his team to create software applications that serve both Target and its customers, continuing to build on the skills he developed during his internship.
Brandon Vue’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved through partnership, with access to the right opportunities and a determined spirit. At Genesys Works, we are honored to have played a part in his journey and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.
