Getting to #ExperienceEverything starts with great talent. But before you can acquire great talent, you need to be capable of fostering it.
With Ignite @ GPJ, we take great care and pride in providing Igniters with a work environment that cultivates connection and supplies them with industry-leading experiences at an entry-level position. Our goal with every class is to give them the tools to grow their skillset and network for an opportunity to work with George P. Johnson full-time post-program. The following team members are prime examples of these efforts, and we highlight them today to give them a stage to share their reflections on their transition from Ignite to full-time work.
HALEY NIELS
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
GPJ AUSTIN
Hey Haley, thanks for joining us. Why don’t you introduce yourself?
My name is Haley, and I am an account coordinator working with East Growth Accounts—primarily on Gartner and Figma. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas (5th-generation Austinite), and went to the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas! Hook’em, horns!
And how did you find the Ignite program, Haley? How was your experience?
During my time in the Ignite program, I supported the account management department. I loved having this period to train and become comfortable with the role before going into my full-time position. The Ignite program helped me build connections with other account managers, as well as my peers in the Austin office.
Another great part of my Ignite experience was being able to help decorate the new Austin office location. Coincidentally, we were moving into the new office when I started the Ignite program, and I happen to have a hobby of interior design!
The new Austin office’s interior design will forever carry your mark! Speaking of new beginnings and transitions, what was the transition like from Ignite to full-time?
My transition from the Ignite program to full-time felt natural and like an easy transition. Given that I stayed in the same department, I was able to work with the same team and people I had already met during the Ignite program. The 6-month Ignite period helped me learn and get comfortable with account management practices, so although there were new things to learn in my full-time position, I felt I was coming on with a wealth of knowledge already in my back pocket!
You’re now one year into being full-time with GPJ. Congratulations! Reflecting on this past year, what has your role taught you, and is there anything you took away from your Ignite experience that has helped you in your role now?
This past year has taught me that each account has its own quirks and set of applicable knowledge. Some accounts are very large, end-to-end programs, some are Global accounts, and some are smaller—each having its own way of functioning and operating. The Ignite program gave me the baseline knowledge across this range, so I am able to apply this knowledge while continuing to learn the unique caveats of individual accounts.
We’re so happy the Ignite program set you up for success! What advice would you give to someone who’s considering the Ignite program so that they can be set up for success?
During the Ignite program, you should take advantage of everyone’s willingness to meet you and share their knowledge! All of the GPJ employees are very willing to meet with you, talk about their roles, and share knowledge with you. Regardless of your department, it is super beneficial to meet with other departments to understand the responsibilities of different roles, as well as grow your connections. Additionally, take advantage of the set time you have to learn—ask for training, ask questions frequently, and take notes! This time period is awesome to learn the ins and outs of event production, so use the time to learn as much as you can before you get into the weeds!
Let’s end with a fun one—Have you made friends with any of the other Igniters? If so, give them a shoutout!
Actually, last year I made great friends with our 3 new 2025 Austin Igniters—Rory, Elena, and Campbell! The best!
Thank you for your time today, Haley. GPJ is lucky to have you on the team!
CAROLINE FOX
ACCOUNT OPS COORDINATOR
GPJ DETROIT
Hey Caroline, thanks for joining us. Feel free to introduce yourself!
Hi! My name is Caroline Fox, and I am an account ops coordinator based out of the Auburn Hills office. A couple of fun facts about me: I was born and raised in Edmonton Alberta, Canada, moved to the States on a scholarship to bowl in university, and ended up loving Michigan. Met my wonderful husband at university, and we recently got married back in October 2025.
How did you find GPJ/Ignite, and how was your experience with Ignite? We’re happy your journey from Canada to the States led you to us!
I found GPJ when they came to a career fair at our university. The booth they had looked really cool, and they talked about all of the different opportunities I could explore with my degree. I applied that day to the Ignite program, and shortly after, I got a call back to interview for the talent and culture team. I loved the Ignite program—it gave me so many great opportunities not only for networking but to hone in on my skills.
And what was that transition like from Ignite to full-time? How did coming back to the office as an FTE feel?
At the end of the Ignite program, I knew I wanted to stay at GPJ, and fortunately, there were positions available on the account ops team. Because of my background and the projects I worked on in Ignite, account ops felt like the right fit for me. The transition was seamless as I received really good onboarding support and training. Coming back as an FTE was such a relieving experience as I felt like I was exploring the right path, and I was excited to stay with GPJ and work on things that I am really passionate about.
You’re now one year into being full-time. Congratulations! Switching from the Talent & Culture department to Account Operations, was there anything you felt you took away from your Ignite experience that has helped you in your role now?
The past year has taught me that there is so much room for growth and good opportunities. Every day, I have learned something new that I can add to my skills toolkit. The Ignite experience really helped me feel confident in my data analytics skills and in being able to apply that not only during my time as Ignite coordinator, but also as an AOC. Also, having the experience to go onsite has really helped me see our work come together, and it’s fascinating what we can do.
We’re happy the Ignite program added skills to your skillset, Caroline! If you could add to somebody else’s, what advice would you give to someone who’s considering the Ignite program?
Go for it! It’s honestly such a great experience. Being able to network, work on fun projects, and go onsite really is an experience like no other.
Let’s end with a fun one—have any “only in experiential marketing” stories?
Honestly, getting to boast to my friends and family about getting to do thrill rides and drive clients around on a golf cart at Stellantis events like Camp Jeep—you don’t get to do that really anywhere else besides experiential marketing.
We love to hear both our clients and our employees getting to #ExperienceEverything. Thank you for your time, Caroline. GPJ is lucky to have both you and Haley, along with the rest of the 2024 Ignite class! Here’s to another year of creating exciting opportunities and setting our future talent up for success in the experiential industry.
Want to read more? Click here for part one and part two of the One Year Later series.
