Meet our Intern: Madeleine Paulsen

Earlier this year at ServiceMaster Brands®, three graduate students from the Georgia Institute of Technology joined our team as interns. Working as part of the Transformation Team, these graduate students have been vital in producing innovative tools and resources to help our franchisees grow their businesses.

One of those students is Madeleine Paulsen – read below to learn more about Madeleine as she shares her experience with ServiceMaster Brands®!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am currently a graduate student studying Human-Computer Interaction at Georgia Tech. I spend my day-to-day learning about the intent behind the design of digital and physical technology. With my bachelors in neuroscience, I am fascinated by the ways in which our behaviors are accounted for and impacted by design. When I am not studying or working, you can find me cooking or playing drums (emphasis on the “or”)! Playing drums is a recent hobby as I started to learn in January and joined a band in June!

What is it about ServiceMaster Brands® that made you want to work here?

After studying neuroscience so heavily, I was looking forward to applying my knowledge to the user experience (UX) space. ServiceMaster Brands® was a great opportunity to connect with business owners and gain hands-on design and research experience. Since joining, I have been able to gain a depth and breadth of knowledge I would not have received elsewhere. Today, I work on a dynamic team using evidence-based design to create impactful interventions.

Where do you see your career in five years?

In five years, I hope to work as a user experience consultant. My goal is to lead a team of researchers and designers to develop inclusive and meaningful solutions.

What’s a project you’re working on that you’re excited about?

I am excited about the business intelligence dashboards we have developed for several brands within the SMB family. The project has been an incredible opportunity to grow my skills as both a researcher and designer. Through hours of interviews and discussions, I have learned how to present data analytics in a clear manner that does not compromise or oversimplify the meaning of the analysis.

Another project I am also excited about is the Merry Maids® Lead Form. This ongoing project has showed me the impact designs can have on how a franchise operates sales. I have really enjoyed the unique opportunity of implementing an end-to-end design that meets both franchisee and customer needs.

Who’s your everyday hero?

My everyday hero is my grandmother. Working as a nurse for more than 40 years, she diligently cared for patients after their life-altering procedures. She has spent her entire life serving others and has taught me the value of selflessness and hard work. Today, she is still looking after any one in need – usually with a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs in tow! She ingrained in me the core values of empathy, honesty, and perseverance that I carry with me every day.

What’s your favorite ServiceMaster Brands® value and why?

My favorite ServiceMaster Brands® value is “We care”. I like this value the most because I never have to look far to see it or feel it. Whether it be on the phone or face-to-face, I can always find someone who is willing to help me out.

How would you describe the ServiceMaster Brands® atmosphere to someone interested in working here?

The atmosphere at ServiceMaster Brands® is collaborative and the people here are always open to new ideas. One unique aspect of working here is that I feel heard and appreciated for my contributions. I really credit the people here for incorporating kindness and appreciation into our everyday work.