Raul Vazquez: Senior Manager, Enrollment Analytics

‍Length of time at Noodle: 2 years and 3 months 

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What’s an impactful experience you’ve had in your career that helped lead you here?

The first time I joined a small Denver-based start-up as an early employee. I remember walking in for my interview in their office that was likely about 600 square feet with their two co-founders and an engineer. For some people, they would probably walk away not thinking it was a legitimate or stable business but what kept me there was their mission to change what we think about the working class and provide them new opportunities. 

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There is no doubt in my mind, I was not completely ready for the amount of time I would need to dedicate nor the number of hats I would wear to accomplish a simple task at times. However, spending close to a year and a half there gave me the ability and skills I needed to transform any organization I would be a part of afterward. There were difficult times of course but those difficult times shaped me to become the person I am today at work. I learned how to become a better manager for my teams, collaborate with different departments effectively, and how to operationalize the directives of my superiors.

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After this start-up, I wanted to make sure the next company I joined had the following three items: A mission I could believe in, a supportive management environment, and FLEXIBILITY. The reason why capitalize flexibility is that I do think it's a key item that differentiates companies. And I just don't mean flexibility only as we get every other Friday off in the summer but in the way we work. The company’s flexibility on policies, procedures, and resources provided to employees are usually based on employee feedback so this simple gesture makes me feel valued every day. 

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What do you love about what you do at Noodle?

I love the opportunity to work with hard-working and driven individuals that are as passionate about higher education as I am. I continue to be in awe of the individuals I get to work with on a daily basis trying to achieve our mission as a company but also provide the best services to our university partners. My role allows working cross-functionally which is amazing to see the impact my work has on other departments. 

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Why should someone consider joining Noodle?

If you are looking for a company that will continue to grow, cares about its employees, and is trying to revolutionize how we partner with higher education institutions. Well… This is the place to be. Also, you get to work with me :)

How do you embrace joy outside of work? 

I am an adventurous guy. Before Covid-19 you could likely catch me on the plane for work or leisure. Nowadays, I continue to seek adventure through hiking, kayaking, and spending some quality time with my dog Bruno. We live a short life on this earth so I want to always embrace the joys of what has been offered to me rather than the negative...that is the optimistic person in me! 

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What’s your best-kept secret?

I don't think it is a secret for the people that know me. My drive, commitment to success, and optimism have been key areas that have provided me the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. Even if I am not feeling my best some days I often think of the positives and the impacts I can make with a simple smile. So what I am trying to say to everyone is POSITIVITY and OPTIMISM are your friends. They help drive your day to day and make you feel good by the time you end your night.