We’re excited to share that our Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Samantha, was recently featured in a Built In article titled “Why I Joined: New Hires Share Why Their Company’s Culture Made Them Say ‘Yes.’” The piece dives into what drew employees to their organizations and why culture played a defining role in their decision.
Samantha’s story reflects exactly what we strive to create at Golden Hippo: a people-first environment that blends growth, collaboration, and genuine connection. As someone just entering her career, her perspective is a meaningful reminder of the impact culture has on emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike.
Below are the full responses Samantha shared with Built In, offering a candid look at her experience with Golden Hippo so far.
What stuck out to you the most about Golden Hippo’s culture during the hiring process, and what was it specifically that convinced you to join?
"What stood out to me most during the hiring process was how intentional and people-focused the culture at Golden Hippo felt. From the very beginning, everyone I interacted with was welcoming, transparent and genuinely excited about the work they do. It didn’t feel transactional but like the team truly cared about both the candidates and each other.
What really convinced me to want to join was the strong emphasis on growth, collaboration and ownership. I could tell that Golden Hippo values developing talent and empowering employees to make an impact, even early in their careers. As someone just finishing college, that really resonated with me because I’m eager to learn, contribute, and grow within a company that invests in its people. I also appreciated how the company balances high performance with a supportive environment. It made me feel confident that I’d be joining a team where I could work hard, ask questions, and continue building my skills while being encouraged and supported along the way."
How does the company culture encourage peers to connect with each other either virtually, in person or both?
"The company culture encourages connection by intentionally creating opportunities for employees to build relationships, both virtually and in person. Through team events and holiday parties and gatherings, as well as team bonding opportunities, Golden Hippo makes it easy for peers to connect outside of day-to-day work. I also appreciate the focus on inclusivity through ERGs and cross-team collaboration, which helps foster a welcoming and supportive environment. These efforts make it easier to build strong relationships and feel connected as part of the team!"
What opportunities are available for employees to level up their careers?
"Golden Hippo creates exciting opportunities for employees to grow right from day one, especially through its mentorship and buddy programs. When you first start, the buddy program makes onboarding feel less overwhelming and more welcoming by pairing you with someone who’s there to answer questions, share tips, and help you settle in quickly. It’s a great way to build connections and feel supported early on!
The mentorship program adds another layer of growth by giving employees access to experienced leaders and team members who are genuinely invested in helping you learn and develop. Together, these programs create a fun, supportive environment where asking questions is encouraged, learning is hands-on, and employees feel motivated to grow their skills and confidence over time!"
Samantha’s insights capture the heart of Golden Hippo’s culture: caring about people, investing in their development, and creating space for meaningful connection. We’re proud to see her story recognized and even more proud to have her on our team.
- Built In
- Culture
- Employee Spotlight
- Women
