Delta: A Career Conversation with Kenzie Zirbel


What motivated you to join Delta?
Last fall, a friend told me about the Recruitment Marketing Specialist opening at Delta. I wasn’t looking for a job at the time, but it was learning about the great benefits and growth opportunities that made me change my mind. You can really start anywhere and go anywhere within the company. Whenever I want to try something new, I can explore that at Delta.

How does Delta convey to employees a sense of belonging?
We’re provided endless opportunities to build relationships with other employees. I’ve been to sessions where we get to learn about what other divisions are doing, happy hours where we can get to know each other outside of work, and work trips where we all came together to strategize ideas for the next quarter. We all come from different backgrounds giving us something unique to offer.

In what ways does Delta support your professional development and growth?
Delta provides opportunities for growth by encouraging things like job shadowing, networking events, and even offers programs to help frontline workers transition their skills to the corporate space.

How has Delta supported you in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
My management strongly believes in work-life balance. It’s not realistic to expect an employee to be sitting at their desk for 8 hours a day. We’re encouraged to take breaks, have lunch with colleagues, connect with other employees, and use our vacation time. My hybrid schedule allows me to stay connected with employees on days I go into office and still get my laundry done when I work from home!

How do you know you're making a difference or impact with the work you do?
Working in employer branding and recruitment marketing allows me to share employee stories and promote our company culture. I love the opportunity to uplift our employees through their storytelling and show the difference Delta has made in their lives. Recently, I got to work on a video shoot in Minneapolis where we featured two Ramp Agents. It was amazing to hear how their Delta family has supported them throughout their careers.

What makes you proud to represent Delta?
When someone asks what I do for living, it’s always exciting to say that I work for Delta. There’s definitely a sense of pride that comes with working for this airline. We wouldn’t be as strong as we are today without our amazing culture and leadership that puts their people first.

How do you feel like you've grown since working for Delta?
I had a lot of the technical skills coming in through my agency experience. My interpersonal and presentation skills are constantly improving. I’ve had opportunities to present my work in front of many people which is something I never thought I’d do.

What do you wish you would have known or done differently as an undergraduate?
Go to class (even those at 8am on a Friday)! And take a public speaking course to have those skills going into a job vs. learning them on the job. I would also get more involved in clubs that were related to advertising or communications.

What advice would you share with emerging young professionals seeking their first opportunities?
Don’t be salary driven. Look at the company culture and the projects your team supports. I got to work for a major client in my first role and I learned so much. I gained experience in social media strategy, website build, branding campaigns, etc. Also be patient in those first two years out of college. It’s difficult to go from working on a major capstone project in school to an entry-level role doing transactional tasks. Just prove your worth at the beginning and your management will invest in you.

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