Notes From the Field: Personify & I

Erin Matson is a Tar Heel, world-class athlete, team player and champion. Here, in “Notes From the Field,” she’ll be sharing some of her thoughts in an ongoing series set to cover anything and everything on her mind. You can find the full series so far here, on Chapelboro.

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Think of something in your life that you’re proud of.

It could be as simple as waking up in the morning and making your bed, or it could be about the life-changing decision that got you where you are. Maybe it’s the bravery you had in a certain moment, the blood, sweat and tears you put into something, or the pride you feel for the success or happiness of someone else.

Whether it’s something substantial or smaller-scale, let yourself acknowledge the feeling that makes your heart feel full and chin lift up.

There’s been many things throughout this semester that have given me that proud feeling. Too many to list out here. But one of them may slip your mind initially…

For the past year and a half, I’ve been working closely with a company called Personify. (If you have been following my socials at all, you know I’m obsessed with them and how much belief, trust, and respect I have for them.) They’re an award-winning recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) firm based in Raleigh, NC but now reach across the world after years and years of continual success. 

Their values – humility, ownership, win, integrity, positivity, family, and yardage – don’t just hang on a wall in the office; they’re committed to, embodied by everyone, and acted upon daily. Their work isn’t careless; it’s done with purpose, putting their clients first, overcoming obstacles, and having the mindset that each win sets them up for the next one. Their CEO is not just someone taking the credit from afar; he sits in his all-glass office at the front of the building, smiles at those walking by, leads with kindness and conviction, and relishes in inspiring his team to get better at what they do each day. (Oh yeah, and he’s a Tar Heel alum, so brownie points there!)

Legit, I know. 

And the awards and numbers back it.

When NIL was passed, Personify and I were introduced to ourselves. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the campaign they wanted to run along with the people and company itself. We clicked right away, and I think we both knew what we wanted to do was going to be special. 

A partnership committed to leadership and the pursuit of excellence was born. 

You can find some awesome vids and more about why they chose me yada yada yada HERE, but the purpose of this blog is not to talk about myself like that. No thank you!

They’ve been one of the best companies I’ve worked with in the NIL realm, hands down. From mutual support and it being a true partnership, to executing something we’re very passionate about together.

And this past semester, our relationship actually evolved into an internship opportunity for me as well.

For those who don’t know, instead of taking classes this past Fall, I decided to take what I’ve learned in the classroom and see what it’s like applying it. (And it was a way for me to stay enrolled, so I could play. Best of both worlds!) 

So my job as the Junior Marketing Intern at Personify came to fruition, and it made me fall in love with the company in a different way all over again.

I knew I’ve always loved marketing, but working with Personify’s team each week taught me so much aside from the fact that I was able to continue building relationships with the amazing team that works here. With my schedule and still playing, I was doing a hybrid internship where I’d come into the office a couple times a week and “work from home” the rest. Personify was SO supportive and understanding of the athlete lifestyle at UNC with me being in season and it being an important one. 

What began as a partnership and evolved into an internship actually ended up being so much more.

I’d look up into the stands at a few games this semester, and I’d see Personify members in their Carolina blue cheering loudly. I’d come into the office and get a congratulatory hug after a successful weekend. And heading into the Final Four, the entire office participated in a “Good Luck” video, sending good vibes our way.

We were brought together by a partnership and now are bonded like a family.

I’ve had the experience of a lifetime with Personify and all of the people – whether they were on the partnership team, marketing team, or just around the office. They’re a company you easily fall in love with because of their culture and determination to succeed, and they will always have a supporter in me. 

I’ve been a part of a lot of special teams, and this one was no different. 

This one – like another you are familiar with – made me proud.

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