Matter’s Newest Boomerang Employee: Melissa Murtagh

By Melissa Murtagh

/></p> <p>In July 2016 I sat in my car outside of Matter on 50 Water Street in Newburyport, MA crying because I was leaving my first job, my home for the past four and a half years filled with familiar faces who were more like family than colleagues. Crying because I was wondering if I was making the right decision to broaden my PR horizon and work at another agency. Fast forward to June 2019 and I was back sitting in my same car in front of Matter on 50 Water Street in Newburyport, MA smiling and excited to be back as the newest member of Matter’s boomerang club!</p> <p>Now looking back on my decision, I know I made the right one. I learned a lot in my three years outside of Matter that has helped me grow as a PR professional. Let me share a few:</p> <p> </p> <ol> <li><strong>Experience</strong>. During my first stint at Matter I discovered that working on consumer accounts was my passion. So, I decided to go work for a consumer-only agency to gain more experience in that space. Thanks to the experience, now that I’m back at Matter, I can help lead some of our newer consumer clients, while helping to build up our consumer roster.</li> <li><strong>Relationships</strong>. Throughout my career in PR, especially over the past few years, I’ve learned one of the most important things is to foster relationships. Relationships with colleagues, former colleagues, the media, influencers, vendors, the list could go on and on. It’s important to always leave jobs or end relationships on good terms. You never know when you are going to need to reach out to one of your contacts with an idea, to make a referral, or ask a favor.</li> <li><strong>Perspective.</strong> Yes, I’m a Millennial. I am constantly seeking change or the next best thing. Sometimes it takes making a change to realize what you were looking for was right in front of you! Matter has always been a great place to work, but now having experienced another work environment, I am able to appreciate how special Matter truly is. Flex Fridays, Summer Fridays, annual holiday paid break, paid volunteer time, Matter golf, yoga, spin, I could go on and on. These are perks you do not get at every company and the best part is, at Matter you are encouraged to participate in them all!</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p>Are you a boomerang employee? Are there any other lessons you learned? <a href=I’d love to hear from you! Now, here’s to my next chapter at Matter!