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How I Started Standing: Dana Purkey

By: Dana Purkey | 09/28/2010

In the summer of 2004, I landed my first interview as a newly minted college graduate. Ironically, that place happened to be Standing Partnership. I remember the overwhelming feeling of nerves that enveloped me as I walked into Starbucks that morning. It was my first "real" interview and I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, it turned out to be very relaxed and informative and, although the opportunity to work at Standing Partnership did not present itself that day, I walked away from the interview thinking, "That's the kind of place I want to work at one day." Little did I know, my connection to Standing Partnership would resurface a few years later...

My career in public relations officially began in Chicago at a business-to-business marketing communications firm. After working in Chicago for a couple of years, I was ready to move back to St. Louis, and Standing Partnership was the first place that came to mind when starting my job search. Once again, the timing was not right, but my communication with Cathy Dunkin did open the door to another job opportunity enabling me to return to St. Louis.

Over the years I continued to stay in touch with Cathy. Finally, the stars aligned during the summer of 2010 when I found out through a former colleague that Standing Partnership was hiring. The timing was perfect as I was ready to make a change from my role as the in-house communications person for a venture capital and small business finance firm.  It was time to take control of my career and find a place that would meet my desire for long-term growth and learning opportunities. I knew Standing Partnership would be the right fit for me, and luckily, they thought so too.

 Two months into the new job and I find that I am energized by all of the possibilities for variety and growth in this company. With each job experience, I've learned a little bit more about myself and about what I want in a career.  I've also learned the value of taking chances and experimenting along the way.  Now that I am an official part of the Standing team, I am amazed by the level of talent in this office and look forward to the many learning opportunities ahead of me.

Posted in Culture, How I Started Standing