DWD Secretary Reggie Newson visits Zendesk offices, highlights opportunities for young professionals in Wisconsin

PRESS RELEASE: June 30, 2015

Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson today met with employees of Zendesk, a software company with offices in Madison, to highlight employers’ efforts to attract and retain young professionals in south-central Wisconsin.

“Employers like Zendesk recognize the value that young professionals bring to their companies and are targeting talent recruitment and retention strategies to appeal to more Millennials,” Secretary Reggie Newson said. “We need to make sure young professionals are aware that employers offer good-paying and challenging career opportunities here in Wisconsin.”

In April, during Wisconsin’s Young Professionals Week, Zendesk was one of 10 employers awarded a 2015 Bubbler Award through a new program launched by NEWaukee, a Milwaukee-area organization that specializes in social architecture and helping local employers attract and retain young talent. In the Dane County area, Shoutlet of Madison was also among the winners.

The Bubbler Award is designed to highlight employers that have the qualities that Millennials are seeking in today’s workplace: competitive salary and benefits, opportunity for advancement and employee and community engagement.

Zendesk, a Customer Service Software company, is headquartered in California and last year opened offices in Madison.

Zendesk employee Erin Hampe said, “As a recent graduate of UW-Madison and a current employee of Zendesk, I feel that Wisconsin is truly an excellent place to live and work. Wisconsin employers are pursuing young talent, recognizing the new perspectives they can bring to the workplace. At Zendesk in Madison, I am constantly challenged and given the opportunity to grow and learn as I develop skills that I can take with me the rest of my career. Zendesk and Madison are both fantastic places I’d be happy to stay for a long time!”

During today’s visit, Secretary Newson spoke with young professionals about what they look for in a workplace, and with company leaders who elaborated on their talent recruitment and retention strategies.

For more Information about Young Professionals Week and the 2015 Bubbler Awards: http://www.ypweek.com/bubbler-awards/.

CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722.