I Got the Inside Scoop On the Company Before Accepting my New Job — Here’s Why I’m Glad I Did

From eye contact and firm handshakes to being super prepared, we can all agree that first impressions can make or break your chances of acing a job interview. But have you ever considered that you, too, are interviewing a company as you get a feel for its culture, values and environment?

That’s right — the interview process goes both ways and for Rebecca Buseman, her positive first impression of Terex compelled her to accept a position there over two years ago. And she’s been reaping the benefits of this decision ever since.

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Part of what set Buseman up for success at the manufacturing company was her supportive manager, who set clear expectations and responsibilities upon her arrival. Her colleagues also “treated [her] as a valued team member from day one.” 

Two and a half years later, Buseman is still experiencing much of the same support from the company. She recently shared with us the learning opportunities she’s taken advantage of since starting there, her favorite parts of the job and the no. 1 piece of career advice she’s received.

How long have you been with Terex? What about it made you first want to join?

I’ve been working at Terex for two and a half years. I learned of the Staff Accountant position at Global Business Services (GBS) through Robert Half, a staffing agency. Before going through the interview process, I contacted a friend who worked (and still works) at Terex to learn more about the opportunity. He spoke very highly of Terex and his work experience, so my first impression of Terex was very positive, which made it easy for me to accept the offer.

 Tell us a bit about your job. What are your main responsibilities in your current role, and what were you doing previously?

I’m in a unique situation right now in the Finance Leadership Development Program; my responsibilities vary quite a lot. Initially, I was responsible for automating the process of preparing and distributing cost center reports. I also met with cost center managers to review their reports. What I love most about my current financial analyst role is the variety; every week I’m learning about new topics and tackling new challenges, which is very exciting!

In my previous role, I was responsible for recording monthly and quarterly journal entries, analyzing periodic fluctuations and contributing to various projects at GBS in Waverly, Iowa. My experience as an accountant at GBS prepared me well for my current position.

Tell me a bit about your first day (or week) in the Finance Leadership Development Program. What kinds of things (whether formal onboarding programs or casual interactions) made you feel comfortable? 

My first day was like jumping into a cold lake. It’s uncomfortable when you first jump in, but you quickly adjust to the new environment. The biggest comfort for me was that my manager assigned me responsibilities right away; I was treated as a valued team member from day one. Also, my colleagues were, and still are, very supportive and welcoming — I really enjoy working with them.

How do you feel like this experience has been reflective of your overall experience at your company? (In what other ways do you feel valued/well supported at your company?)

Each role I’ve had at Terex has had a different flavor. It seems like there are opportunities to challenge yourself in any role at Terex, which is what I enjoy most about working here. When I was a new team member at GBS, I was lucky to have a very supportive manager who encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone to embrace new challenges. For example, she noticed I was especially interested in a particular area and encouraged me to learn more about that area and present on the topic. The learning opportunities at Terex are endless. 

What’s something you’re especially good at at work? 

I’m especially good at presenting and communicating information in a clear and orderly fashion, so that it’s easy to understand and interpret. I also like to believe my spreadsheets are beautiful, concise and well organized, but I’m probably biased. I’ve been told I’m good at digging into the details of the financial statement accounts to understand and explain fluctuations, too. 

What’s the first (and/or last) thing you do at work every day?

When I first arrive to work, I check my email, update my action list and establish priorities. Before leaving, I review my calendar to make sure upcoming events don’t fall off my radar. Recently, I’ve started checking to make sure I have my phone and my badge with me before leaving the office… not that I’ve ever left them at work before... more than once.

Ultimately, what has led you to stay at your company? 

I believe I’m making a positive impact on the organization, which makes my work fulfilling and rewarding. I also love that my role gives me the opportunity to help others. I feel very engaged.

What’s something you think most people (perhaps even current employees) don’t know about your company that you think they should?

Terex is a global company, which means its team members have the opportunity to connect with other team members, customers and suppliers from all over the world. As you can imagine, there are numerous travel opportunities. Last year, I participated in Terex’s Guest Auditor Program, which is a 1-2 week internal audit engagement that allows finance team members to travel, work with new colleagues and learn about other areas of the business. 

The audit to which I was assigned took place at our GBS center in Changzhou, China. It was an incredible experience that I wouldn’t have had if Terex were not a global company. I’ve also worked with people from the Philippines, China, Australia, India and several U.S. states, and my current manager is from Ireland. I really enjoy working with a diverse group of people.

What was the best quality of the best boss you’ve ever had?

The best managers I’ve had seem to know how to bring out the best in others. They’ve highlighted my strengths, helped me overcome challenges and most importantly, have supported me in becoming a stronger team member. Great managers are like great tour guides. They have a ton of knowledge, are eager to share their knowledge, they welcome questions and inspire you to learn more about the areas you find especially interesting.

They’re also there to support you and offer constructive feedback on your career journey, while giving you the freedom to explore and develop your strengths. In my opinion, having a supportive manager is critically important.

What’s the most memorable piece of career advice you’ve received?

“Commit and give it time.” When I first started working in the “real world” after graduation, I was under the impression that there was a “perfect” job out there somewhere and I simply hadn’t found it. Instead of committing myself to my work, I wasted a lot of time and energy searching for a better opportunity. I ended up working for four different organizations within a two-year timeframe – not a great way to launch a career.

When I started at Terex, my dad’s advice was to “give it time – at least two years.” Taking his advice, I decided to fully commit myself to my work for two years. The commitment piece was a game changer for me. I was able to make real progress in my career only after committing to it. I now focus on how I can make the most out of the opportunities that have already presented themselves to me. I used to be intimidated by the word “commitment,” but I’ve actually experienced much more freedom by committing to what I’m doing.

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