#43 Acquity Group
It's all about opportunity, especially for a career hungry Generation Y. At digital marketing and design firm Acquity Group, career opportunities abound. For Gen Yers looking to make a splash right off the bat, the company is a place they're happy to hang their hat while they gain major ground.
Jim Newman, Executive VP, says the opportunities for advancement and education at Acquity Group are abundant and employees constantly contribute to exciting and relevant work. "The projects we work on are with brands we use every day," says Newman. "The Internet-based services we bring to the table are very relevant to our lives. Going home and showing friends and family that you contributed to a website is really fun and rewarding."
Generation Y employee Mike Clark agrees that the environment at his workplace encourages growth, both personally and professionally. "They place a lot of trust in those that have few experiences in the workplace," says Clark. "We have strong career development here. We have meetings with managers about our goals and they encourage us to stay involved and continue to grow."
Growing as a team is important, too. To serve this goal, the company encourages employee-driven initiatives. "We have a Green Team and Wellness Team where we participate in marathons and physical activities," says Isaiah Andrew, Senior Associate with the Design Group. "We have a good work-life balance." Andrew also appreciates the geographical coordinates of his office. "We have a nice location in the Loop on top of Chicago--one of the coolest parts of the job is the view."
"Gen Y grew up with technology throughout their lifetime," says Newman. "This is a vibrant workforce relevant to their experiences. Generation Y workers bring a lot of relevance to our work. Their enthusiasm is phenomenal--maybe more so than others who have been around for years. They can advance their careers a lot more quickly because they pick up on things quickly."
Says Andrew, "It's cheesy, but it's kind of like family. It's a nurturing environment where management knows what you're doing and wants you to succeed. That builds confidence and empowers us." Opportunity knocks.

