My name is Brady Dransfield, and I was fortunate enough to intern with MetroWall’s marketing team this summer. I’m a rising sophomore at the University of Richmond studying business and leadership. Working with MetroWall has been an extremely rewarding experience, with each member of the team being incredibly welcoming and supportive. Before coming to MetroWall, I had limited knowledge of glass wall architecture and manufacturing. The design and installation of glass walls was something I had always taken for granted, never thinking about the processes behind them. After my first day, I was shocked by the number of nuances that go into selecting and producing glass interiors. The different glass types, acoustics, and styles of each product were all so unique from one another. When I first arrived at the office, I was shown the actual work that goes into developing, testing, and producing each MetroWall product. That hands-on experience helped orient me within the industry and gain a greater understanding of how exactly MetroWall can best position itself for success.
Throughout the summer, I collaborated with the marketing team to configure digital assets, develop social media content, and organize benchmark data. Beyond these collaborative projects, I was given the opportunity to make my own recommendations to MetroWall regarding its online presence. I was tasked with identifying which industry-specific sites MetroWall should collaborate with to best build its brand awareness. Through my research, I came to understand how to best reach potential clients by demonstrating the value MetroWall’s services can offer. I came to realize that potential clients aren’t only interested in the products a company can offer, but rather the company’s image and its industry position.
My Biggest Takeaway: Commitment to Standards
MetroWall’s unrelenting commitment to its brand identity was another aspect of the company that resonated with me. Whether the team was releasing a new post, hosting an event, or even uploading a picture online, everything reflected MetroWall’s commitment to making more possible. This attention to detail was highlighted when the marketing team visited a job site that was close to wrapping up. During the visit, a member of the team pointed out how a part of the trim still needed some details touched up. To me, these details seemed unnoticeable. However, industry professionals would have the eye to identify and understand the incomplete installation. The team emphasized the importance of precision and ensuring that MetroWall fulfills its promise of holding a high standard. It’s clear this idea is instilled in each member of the team, something that was inspiring to see as an intern. The standard each MetroWall employee holds themselves to is something I hope to maintain with teams I work with in the future.
My Favorite Part: Learning Beyond the Workplace
My time with MetroWall was not only limited to the company’s office space. I also had the opportunity to visit MetroWall’s showroom in Manhattan, an experience which was a highlight of the summer. Understanding how a company can utilize a space so effectively to build client relationships was extremely valuable. I was also able to experience an event MetroWall held for potential clients. Connecting with actual architects and understanding how they see the industry was eye-opening and helped elevate my understanding of how to effectively market to them. Outside of developing relationships with potential clients, the event was a great opportunity to see how a successful company culture and work environment is built.
Not only has MetroWall given me invaluable insights into an actual business’ strategy, but it has also given me tools to bolster my academics. At MetroWall, I’ve learned to always push the envelope and to never tolerate the status quo. That mindset is something I will apply to my classes by always striving to extract more from my studies, whether it be through research or the connections I make with my peers and professors. Not only will I implement these lessons in my coursework, but I will also incorporate them into my club positions to best market our organization’s objectives and the identity we wish to uphold. I’m grateful for my time at MetroWall and am excited to utilize the skills I’ve learned in the future!