Career Advice

March 11, 2007

My First Job: Annie Jacobsen, owner/founder of Assisted Transitions, a Seattle move-management company that streamlines the moving process.

Annie Jacobsen

Current position: Owner/founder of Assisted Transitions, a Seattle move-management company that streamlines the moving process.

First job: Pyrotechnician. My family had a business that designed and executed large fireworks displays at events including Independence Day celebrations, parades, races, football games and more. I lit my first shell at 9 years old at the Pomona Speedway. Really, as first jobs go, it was a blast (heh).

Pay: About $10 per show.

How I got the job: Cuteness, probably.

What I learned: I learned how to think fast and be a risk-taker, daring yet savvy of safety, timing and aesthetics along the way. I also learned that I loved being behind the scenes – doing something that makes people go "Oooh!" without the need for personal kudos. It's about the audience/client experience and needs, and not about me. Finally, being from the industry that probably coined the phrase "more bang for the buck," I learned just how important that is. Surprise and delight people, keep things under control and running smoothly, have good timing and aesthetics, and in the end you will have happy customers that will spread the word!

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