The ACT360 Experience: Sophiya Adhikari, Intern

Initially, all I was looking for was to install routine back into my life. As “An optimistic recent graduate” who “wants to be a productive member of the society” (as I stated in my Curriculum Vitae I made to apply to ACT) I wasn’t doing much in my gap year, and I really needed a change.

Of course, the ACT360 experience has been something much more than what I was expecting or hoping for. It now isn’t just a change I’d wanted, but a learning platform that has helped me grow into a well-rounded individual.

From the first huddle to the last Sunday learning session, the environment at ACT360 speaks volumes about the office, the people, and the work here. My experience in this blog is just one dimension of the many folds, however, it is probably also the quickest way to get a taste of what working here for more than 3 months was like.

So, this is my story.

Well, you just got PRANK’D

The first of everything is always accompanied with three main components: clammy hands, feelings of excitement of the uncertainty, and anxiety. I experienced similar symptoms as I did on the first day of my new school when I stepped into the office looking forward to the first day of work.

Believe me, I had spent hours going through the website, Facebook, and even Instagram account of ACT360. I thought I had gotten a gist of what the office was like: full of youngsters looking to make everything that they do count.

Yet, I was still taken aback. The first thing in the morning ACT conducts what they call a Daily Huddle; everyone stands in a circle facing each other, and talks about good news and what they have achieved as a team. I was already impressed, especially since my previous work experience had nothing more than your typical office interactions.

Then, I was asked to introduce myself. Everything went well; I didn’t stumble and to my relief, managed to not embarrass myself while addressing all 20 members of the family I was about to join. That is, until I did. Actually spelling out the prank would defeat its future purposes, so I won’t do it. However, it serves one best to know that everyone was in on the prank, and I, the excited newcomer, easily fell into it.

Laughing at myself did an excellent job of breaking the ice. I will always remember this incident especially since it served as proof that this company is truly what they portray themselves as: a fun, safe, and respectful space.

Are you even from ACT if you don’t know their core purpose?

All newcomers are welcomed with a presentation about ACT360. Our presenter was Eren, who was very thorough about the rules and regulations, and especially the core values. In fact, she even threw a pop quiz in it and asked the four core values. I couldn’t answer it, but I learned something very important.

The four Core values and the Core Purpose of ACT surrounds you. These are values that we keep in mind while carrying out our work here. Every Sunday sessions we go through them and ask ourselves how we as a team, achieved those values. Keeping this in mind, the next portion of my experiences is briefly divided into the four core values.

Fun and Innovative through the looking glass of Dele Alli

Everyday, members of ACT strive to do things better. As an intern, I put my hands on different works; from recording ads to even shooting videos as part of T(GIF). From my experiences, I learnt that the office culture encourages practice that can turn around any simple task into something fun and innovative.

Want to showcase our fun side to the world? Present a short skit about it. Need to exceed expectations of clients? Gather designers, writers, and management team and have a fun brainstorming session. Do we need to complete a challenge? Let’s showcase it.

This aspect of our core value I believe, does wonders in bringing forth the creative side in everyone. While working with ACT, everyday is exciting. However, I’ve also learnt that the team are as professional as they are goofy, which brings us to the next core value.

Thirst for Learning anything about everything

One thing all members of the ACT family will definitely learn from their time here is – to play UNO. And maybe a thing or two about patience when it takes half an hour to reach a unanimous decision about where to eat for the day.

Jokes aside, the ACT atmosphere is all about learning. Although I’ve only been here for a few months, I have learnt the basics of SEO, shooting videos, writing efficient blog posts, interacting with different niches of people, giving better impromptu speeches, using task managing apps and much more.

Family of Superstars and the extended family of super eaters

Another thing that really struck out about ACT was the respect everybody had for one another. Even as an intern, I know my experiences here isn’t very different from others. The people here further accentuate the office environment, for you can always count on receiving constructive criticism, help, and motivation to work from them.

This has especially been true in the case of the weekly Monday doodles. It was due to the support and positive feedback that kept me motivated to excel myself with each new work.

Whether it is making rangoli with our mascot, Rocky, or conducting potluck on the occasion of Dashain, the office is never short on activities that facilitates team building. And with monthly office sponsored lunch, birthday celebrations, as well as individual team lunches, the office is never short on eating activities either.

Starting storms to Ensure Customer Success

The final core value of ACT is ensuring customer success. Throughout my time here, I’ve come to experience that every other core values finally result in just this: customer satisfaction. The Sunday Learning sessions, group brainstorming, office lunch, and even blasting Awesome Mix Vol. 2 through the speakers; these factors contribute towards motivating everyone to give their 100%.

To infinity and Beyond… to Do Awesome Things!

All in all, working here at ACT has been nothing less than enjoyable, motivational, and phenomenal. They truly set the bar high in terms of what a working environment can, and should be like.

I’m really glad that I decided to give applying here a shot, for this unique experience has not only given me a platform to improve my social and personal skills but also, a gist of working outside my comfort space. And above all, I’m determined to constantly live by the values I’ve learnt, and so I say: Do Awesome Things!