Digging In is a regular series of blog posts profiling UDig employees. We hope this series helps you get to know our team and understand why we dig what we do! Today, we are sitting down with Elise Holmes, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition.
UDig: Tell us a little bit about your background and your role at UDig.
EH: I’ve spent the last (almost) 10 years in Nashville working in talent acquisition and human resources within technology consulting services. Prior to that, I was a college admissions counselor! While my main responsibility has been finding great people for our team (and it still is), I’ve touched a little bit of everything including onboarding, career development, performance management, and conference and career fair planning.
At UDig, I work with candidates from start to finish through our recruitment process. My goal is to find candidates that share our values and determine if consulting careers at UDig align with their interests and ambitions. Ultimately, I want to help people realize their career goals by joining our team and be part of building a strong team here at UDig.
UDig: Why UDig? What made us the right decision for you?
EH: As a recruiter, for me, it’s critical that I’m part of a team that values their people – and UDig does just that! I know the people we hire are going to be celebrated, given opportunities to grow, have a path to advance their career, provided support and flexibility, and just enjoy working with the rest of the team in their day-to-day.
I also really love the people here and believe in our leadership. The team is smart, compassionate, and helpful. I know joining UDig was the right decision for me every day.
UDig: What is one recruiting tip you’d share with someone interested in careers at UDig?
EH: Even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed in a job posting, still apply. Even if you don’t see a position posted that’s an exact match for what you’re looking for, still apply through our general application. I’m always happy to connect with those curious about careers at UDig. Things can change quickly in consulting, so connecting with those interested can lead to opportunities to join the team, now or in the future. In addition to applying, I’d encourage everyone to connect with UDig as a way to stay up to date on the latest career opportunities, projects delivered, our work in the community, and more!
UDig: What does “Do What You Dig” mean to you?
EH: It means enjoying what you do, who you’re doing it with, and being proud of the work accomplished. As a smaller, private organization, UDig leaders form personal relationships with individual team members to better understand their interests, challenges, and ambitions. Our smaller size allows us flexibility and agility to pivot to meet the needs of our team and clients – so you can keep doing “What You Dig” and see your impact on our organization and our clients.’
UDig: What is your favorite procrastination tool?
EH: I love joining the virtual ‘Board Game Palooza’ hosted by UDig teammates! They typically occur on Wednesdays in the afternoon. It’s a great mid-week break, so I try not to schedule anything during that time. We’ve played Codenames, Wavelength, One Word, and more. As you may have guessed, you don’t have to come with previous experience and it’s a great way to get to know teammates in a low-key way! (And if you’re a serious gamer, you’ll find good company and other outlets here, too.)
UDig: What did you want to be when you grew up?
EH: I actually went to school for musical theater! I’ve always enjoyed live theater and the arts. While I haven’t been on stage in years, Nashville offers so many opportunities to support and enjoy the arts including Nashville Ballet, the Nashville Symphony, shows at TPAC, and The Frist Art Museum.
UDig: What’s the most played song in your library?
EH: The Beatles are always included in my Spotify end of year most played artists list. I mean, it’s just hard to go wrong with The Beatles. I also love Lake Street Dive and my most played song in 2021 was “Family” by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Check ‘em out!
UDig: How would you spend your day if we told you to take the day off?
EH: I love spending time outdoors. I have two dogs and two kids, and we’d probably start the day at a park or strolling down 12 South, stopping for lunch at Edley’s BBQ or 12 South Taproom. A couple of our other favorite things to do in Nashville include the Nashville Zoo, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, the Full Moon Pickin’ Parties at Edwin Warner Parks, and the 12 South Farmer’s Market.
