Name:

Ashley Levy

How did you get to gap intelligence?

It was a dark and stormy night, sheets of rain layered the ground while the wind howled through the leaves and over the ocean, pushing and pulling me from one job listing to the next. Without a second’s notice, a dark figure emerged in the distance from beyond the fog: land. As a matter of fact, this first sighting of land was the gap intelligence job listing, signaling something I could only dream about: a start to my future. 

I am graduating this year from UCSD and have been searching for a market research position for months. I almost gave up with my search in San Diego when I came across a research analyst position at gap intelligence. I applied immediately and the minute I walked into the office for my interview, I could not believe how everyone who walked passed me could be so warm and welcoming. I fell in love and could not be happier that I was chosen to join such a talented and ambitious team. 

What values lead you and why?

Happiness, imagination, and thoughtfulness are the values that guide me. 

I’ve seen far too many family members, friends, and acquaintances begrudgingly move throughout their days without a single moment where they were truly happy. I have begun to lead each day of my life with the question, “Does this make me happy?” because I value happiness since it affects everyone I come in contact with. 

Imagination is key to how people progress and dream up the crazy ideas that help advance society. I try to imagine and dream every day because I want to imagine what it is like to be someone else or to think a different way. The new perspectives I imagine is the very thing that keeps me on my toes, thinking of new ways to accomplish things. 

There is something to be said in how one conducts themselves, and it is extremely important for people to read a situation, to understand the why, and to act on that understanding. I really do try my hardest to understand why things are the way they are so that I may accurately and carefully address whatever or whomever I encounter. 

What skills are you bringing to gap and what skills are you excited to learn?

I am bringing my determined work ethic and my attention to detail. All throughout school and any job I have had, I start and finish a task in an efficient and thorough manner. No task is too small, so I always give my best effort at any work I have to complete. There is so much information in every single detail. In every aspect of my life, I look at the small details because they build clarity in the big picture. I want to learn new ways of navigating and understanding data to create solutions for real business problems.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?

I would have the power to produce vegetables and fruit the second I plant them in the ground. I am always far too eager to see vegetables and fruit grow so I can use them or give them away since I always end up with far too many. Plus, with the environmental changes impacting agriculture, it could help so many people by providing healthy produce fast and keeping prices low.

What’s the quirkiest thing about you that you’re willing to admit?

I organize my bedroom 3-5 times a week. My room is rarely dirty, but I will do anything from rearranging my vinyl records to realigning my shoes. Nothing can ever be too clean.

What’s your favorite thing to do in San Diego and why?

My favorite thing to do in San Diego is to go running at the beach. Between the perfect temperature and the never-ending ocean view, it’s one of the most relaxing and satisfying things I’ve done during my time in San Diego. I always find that I feel happier and more present during the rest of my day.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I bought my mom a 2 lb bag of decaf coffee from Zumbar Coffee & Tea. I might not drink decaf coffee, but it is the best decaf coffee you can get.