Gappers are passionate people. We are passionate about each other, our clients, our community, and are inspired by life! To explore more about what drives our team, resident hedgehog, Herbie, sat down with gappers in a series we like to call: Words with Herbs.
Name?
Olivia Rockeman
How did you get to gap?
I grew up in San Diego and was initially introduced to gap through my dad who worked in the market intelligence industry for about 30 years. After completing my first year at UC Davis, I was hoping to find an internship where I could gain hands-on career experience. I got into contact with gap in May and was lucky enough to be offered internship with the incredible development team. I am so happy to be here for the summer and I learn something new everyday!
What values lead you and why?
The gap values that resonate with me most are professionalism and willingness. To be professional is to be poised, understanding and compromising. Professionalism is at the center of my core values because it is responsible for developing relationships that encourage both personal and company growth. Willingness is also a huge part of my daily life because many of my most memorable and educational experiences have come from taking on new tasks with confidence and an open mind. When I first came to gap I was nervous about making mistakes, but pushing myself to leave my comfort zone has allowed me to gain more technical and professional skills than I could've imagined.
What skills are you bringing to gap and what skills are you excited to learn?
I am organized, innovative and observant. These skills guide me in everything I do because they enable me to learn quickly and work with efficiency. As an intern, I am surrounded by amazing role models on a daily basis. Primarily, working on the development team has allowed me to learn software development skills including Git version control, Ruby on Rails and Scrum project management. On top of that, being exposed to gap’s culture and values has given me a new perspective on how to bring excitement and determination to the workplace. Gappers are motivated, intelligent and happy individuals and I definitely have something to learn from each and every one of them.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?
I would love to be able to speed read. There is endless knowledge out there but so little time to access all of it. I would start by reading the Game of Thrones series, something I’ve been wanting to do but haven't had time for, and then I would research global issues. I firmly believe that knowledge is power.
What’s the quirkiest thing about you that you’re willing to admit?
In my spare time I sell old junk on eBay. I started doing it to clean out my garage, but now my friends and neighbors give me things they’re getting rid of and I help them list the items. You would be surprised what people are willing to buy — entrepreneurship at its finest.
What’s your favorite thing to do in San Diego and why?
I love spending time at Torrey Pines State Beach. It is such a peaceful place and offers some of my favorite activities: hiking, running, surfing and lounging. Every time I go there I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have grown up in such a beautiful city. Sadly, there are more cows in Davis than beaches, so I really miss it when I’m at school.
What's the last gift you gave someone?
I got my mom tickets to a Rascal Flatts concert for Mother’s Day. We had such a blast. I think that giving an experience rather than a tangible object is a lot more memorable and exciting.
