Featured Alumni
Lily Snyder '10
Employer
Futures Intelligence Group / Head Writer & Metaverse Researcher
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilysnyder/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
My journey since graduation was not a straightforward one. After
graduating from the School of Business, I thought my career trajectory
was clear. But after being fired from my first job after graduating
(whoops!) I found my confidence shattered and applied for jobs below
my ability. Thankfully, I was invited to interview for a business
analyst consultant position. I got the job that launched me into a
career in software and manufacturing. I loved the software development
process and seeing the work we did help operators on the production
line. After about six years I felt the pull to do something new, but I
had no idea where to look. An old client of mine posted about his new
company, a startup designing SCRUM applications in virtual reality. I
messaged him and ended up becoming a founding member of the startup.
For two years I traveled from Beijing, China to Seattle, WA to pitch
our startup until I had my first child. I decided to take time off my
career to be a full-time mom. That lasted for a while until the itch
to create was too much. I started writing about the virtual reality
industry which led to me working with the Godmother of the Metaverse -
Cathy Hackl. I no longer worry about "climbing the ladder"
or how to balance work and motherhood. I take each day one step at a
time and am excited for where the future takes me.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
I have so many favorite memories at Grand Valley, it's difficult
to name just one. There was volunteering as a GVSU Ambassador where I
got to give tours of campus to prospective students. There was the
time I dared my roommate to jump into the Zumberge Pond - we had no
idea it was so deep! I remember laughing so hard I couldn't help her
climb out. She had to swim to the edge and walk home soaking wet. I
think my favorite memory is meeting my husband (although I didn't know
it at the time) at the GVSU Kung Fu Club. I met so many amazing people
at Kung Fu. Steve Matchett, GV chem professor was also our instructor.
We learned more than the Chinese martial arts, we learned about our
perseverance, teamwork, and what it means to succeed for ourselves -
traits that would help me long after graduation.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
A few pieces of advice come to mind. My mentor during my first
client as a business analyst told me to "fake it until you make
it". This phrase isn't so popular today but it helped me during a
time when I had imposter syndrome. During that same period in my life,
my mom told me to "be like a bulldog. Bite hard and don't let
go". When I was struggling with what to do next in my career, my
boss told me that no one cares as much about my career as I do. So I
should pick what I wanted to do and go for it.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Perfect, Dream, Awesome
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I would like to demystify the career ladder and perfect career
stereotypes, especially for the newly graduated.
January 2022
Interest Area(s)
Management, International Business, Spanish
Share this spotlight
This spotlight was originally posted to the Alumni website.
Return to the listing of featured alumni.