Meet Briana Lowe, Senior Administrative Assistant

The FootBridge admin team is the glue that keeps us together, from our business development team to our recruiters, payroll processing, and more. That’s why we’re celebrating senior administrative assistant Briana Lowe, who takes care of so many moving parts in our office. The recruiters, administrative staff, sales team, and executives sincerely appreciate her contributions and thoroughly enjoyed interviewing her about her experience with us. Continue reading to learn how Briana gets the job done!

Question: As the initial point of contact for clients and visitors, you hold a pivotal role in fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere at FootBridge. How does this experience resonate with you?

Briana: I genuinely cherish my role as a staffing firm administrator and relish the opportunity to demonstrate to candidates that we’re genuine individuals, not automated systems. It’s important to me that everyone feels at ease reaching out with questions, particularly those who are new to the workforce or for whom English is a second language. Reflecting on my own experience as a newcomer, I understand that the initial onboarding paperwork can be daunting. However, this initial hurdle shouldn’t discourage anyone from seeking contract employment. 

As an example, I recently had the pleasure of assisting a candidate in person, guiding him meticulously through each step of the paperwork process using our dedicated laptop, which we have in the office to simplify and ensure accessibility for everyone. Recognizing that Docusign can be cumbersome on mobile devices—and which might be all some candidates have access to —I warmly invite everyone to contact me for any kind of support and want them to know I am always here to help.

Question: Could you describe a typical day in your role and elaborate on the importance of effective communication in your position as a senior administrative assistant in the fast-paced staffing industry?

Briana: At FootBridge, we meticulously manage every aspect behind the scenes to guarantee successful candidate placements and their well-being during their tenure with us. Before a candidate arrives at a client site, I handle the distribution of tax forms, background checks, direct deposit forms, and any necessary screening tests, coupled with a video identification call. Given that we oversee hundreds of contract employees at any given time, we maintain a comprehensive database for each candidate, complete with a checklist of pending items. If even the smallest detail is missing, you can be sure I’m promptly reaching out to inform the candidate so there’s no compromising their employment.  When I’m not on calls or dispatching welcome packages, I dedicate my time to updating this database, which I affectionately refer to as my alter ego.

Question: Maintaining momentum while assisting both our internal team and contract employees requires a blend of patience and meticulous organization. How do you manage it all seamlessly?

Briana: Since joining FootBridge in 2018, I’ve come to see my colleagues as teammates who consistently look out for one another’s well-being. The pace here is breakneck, with new hires and contract endings occurring regularly. To keep everyone aligned, I utilize the database as a comprehensive checklist that ensures the recruiters, sales team, and other staff members stay coordinated. Our culture is one of mutual support, too. If someone needs paperwork sent out at 5:45 pm on a Friday, they can rely on me to get it done, even at the end of a long week. This dedication is mutual, as we all prioritize each other’s needs. When challenges arise, the entire team collaborates to find solutions. Tasks that may seem complex to the sales team are often quick fixes for me, and I relish the opportunity to be the go-to problem solver.

Question: On the topic of problem-solving, what elements of your position provide you with the greatest fulfillment, and in what ways have you evolved since you initially assumed your role as an administrative assistant in the staffing industry?

Briana: Although it may seem trivial, completing a task in this bustling work environment is immensely satisfying. The gratitude from my colleagues makes helping out particularly fulfilling, and it instills in me a profound sense of pride knowing my contributions are valued. Rather than having a sales team member suggest a contract can wait because they see I’m busy, I relish diving into it immediately for them. 

On another note, transitioning to this role was a significant shift for me. With a background in waitressing and some human resources experience but no college education, I was initially apprehensive about stepping into this field. However, Todd and Di recognized my potential and helped me reach my goals. After about a year of adaptation, I feel incredibly confident in communicating with candidates. Tasks that once seemed daunting, like drafting a candidate email, are now second nature, and I’m happy to say I’m fully immersed in this role and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to expand my skills and contributions further here.  

Additionally, despite not having the opportunity to attend college, I eagerly anticipate enhancing my skills through various certificate courses and seminars. Education is not a straight path but rather a lifelong journey of self-improvement. Also worth mentioning is that Massachusetts, where I live and work, recently approved MassReconnect, a program that offers the opportunity to earn a degree or certificate for free, as well as costs related to books and supplies. To enroll, one must be 25 years old on the first day of class and show proof of residency. 

Question: Your success is a testament to the power of a positive mindset in achieving one’s ambitions. What additional guidance would you offer to those currently seeking employment?

Briana: I would tell others not to give up and not to set themselves back because they think they lack experience and, therefore, “don’t stand a chance against other people.” Also, don’t say, “Why should I even apply?” Instead, have faith that others will see you as a hard worker and be open to receiving help from others. You never know where it will get you.   

Question: Since you began your journey with FootBridge, technology has evolved dramatically. How has this transformation influenced your role, and are there any other transformations you want to mention? 

Briana:  FootBridge has always remained consistent with technological advancements, especially AI. In addition to an expansive candidate log-in, where they can access their forms, pay information, and more, the number one reason we can work remotely is our affiliation with cloud computing, Ring Central, and video calls. Being able to transfer calls when I’m not in the office is a great advantage because it means getting to candidates faster rather than leaving a voicemail and then having to check messages. I like to say that everything we do here is for our clients. 

Are you interested in pursuing a career at FootBridge? Contact Joe Squires at: Jsquires@footbridgecompany.com.