On Sunday, November 10, 2024, I received a direct message on X from someone I’d never heard of: David Marra.
No mutuals, no warning, just a straight-to-the-point message that made me pause. The timing was weird. I was flying out the next morning to interview with another company I’d been circling for a while. But something about this message felt sharp. Curious enough that I scheduled a call as soon as I got back.
That Thursday, we talked. And within minutes, I knew. It was ambitious and specific and a little unhinged in the way only the best ideas are. The kind that makes your brain light up and your current plans feel suddenly…irrelevant.
The following Monday, I walked into the Rivet DC office. I got to see the tech in person. Put it on. (See below.) Ask a thousand questions. And by the time I left, I wasn’t thinking about the other job. I wasn’t thinking about any job. I was thinking: this is it.
So I said yes.
Six months later, I’m still in awe of how fast it all moved (and keeps moving!) and how right it feels.
The team develops Integrated Task Systems for people with complex frontline jobs, from military operations to advanced manufacturing. Rivet's modular technologies combine body-worn optics, sensors, computing, and communications for secure, data-driven action in the world’s toughest conditions. And it’s f*cking awesome:
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Great job Kayla! Keep good notes on your values and goals and revisit them often. Many of us get inspired by our first roles.
Awesome! A perfect example of why great networkers don't need a resume because people will come knocking on your door!