Sometimes It’s The Little Things That Make a Difference

By: Jenn Rivera, Sr. Director of Finance & Operations

My kids used to tell me I was annoying and way too particular about house rules. And not just rules for them; the same rules applied to every friend who walked through our door. They would warn their friends ahead of time, and sometimes even tried to coach them on the rules. They also knew those rules followed them to their friends’ houses. If I found out they weren’t followed there, they’d be in even more trouble than if they’d broken them at home.

I never thought I’d see the day they’d thank me for those rules. But as they got older, they realized not every parent enforced the same standards… and they began to appreciate the difference. They realized those “rules” weren’t just about keeping order, they were building the soft skills that make people stand out in life and at work.

Rules like:

Greeting everyone when you enter or leave a room teaches friendly communication.

Thanking people for their time and making eye contact shows respect and courtesy.

“No devices at the dinner table” becomes “no devices in meetings” when your coworkers deserve your full attention.

Helping with the dishes after a meal? Early teamwork training.

Pitching in without being asked builds initiative and responsibility.

Doing something right the first time teaches integrity and builds trust.

And if you weren’t taught those rules as a kid, you’ve probably still noticed the difference soft skills make. You remember when someone spoke kindly to you on a rough day. Or when a polished speaker commanded the room. Or when someone checked in just because you seemed “off.”

On the flip side, you remember the sting of someone walking in and not acknowledging you. You’ve probably been frustrated working on a group project where teammates ghosted you and didn’t do their part. And we’ve all had moments where we wished others would show more empathy after we made a mistake.

Our HR team gets asked all the time: “How can I stand out?” I know “soft skills” might sound cliché, but our first piece of advice always starts with first impressions and professionalism. Think back to those house rules, or to moments when someone left a lasting impact on you, and challenge yourself to be 1% better every single day. Simple manners can leave a big impression, and sometimes, they’re the deciding factor when managers choose between equally qualified candidates.

As we head into intern recruitment for 2026, we’re looking for people who might have once rolled their eyes at their parents’ rules but now see their value. We want professionals who appreciate experiences, thrive in a team, and soak up knowledge like a sponge.

If this sounds like you, check out our internships and job openings on our careers page. And if you see us at recruitment events, be sure to greet us with a friendly hello, it might be your first chance to stand out.