One of the coolest things about working at Yum! Brands is the ability to complete an STA. An STA, also known as Short Term Assignment, is the ability to work across corporate, brand and business affiliate offices. This allows employees to grow their skills, learn more about the different functions and gain further insight into business operations without the permanent commitment of a role switch. In this story series, we’ll spotlight those who have completed STA’s and how it’s grown their career.
Originally from San Diego, Jason got his bachelor's in economics at University of San Diego. He then moved to L.A. to pursue an acting career! During this time, he ended up getting a job at a famous theme park where he performed for about a year and got his MBA at the same time. Post MBA, Jason became an administrative assistant for the astrophysics department at California Institue of Technology (Cal Tech). Then, he made his way over to Taco Bell on the Engagement team. This non-linear career path allowed Jason to explore different opportunities and meet amazing people along the way.
“[I had] two people in my network who were at Taco Bell at that time, and they recommended that I apply for the employee engagement coordinator position. The goal was to really turn Taco Bell from a house into a home... and this opportunity felt like a marriage between my professional experiences and performing background.”
In this role, Jason supported the development of many engagement campaigns, from putting together the iconic holiday party and Halloween events, to Coffee Chats with the executive team, to memorable moments such as dino day, the travel and vacation fair, lounge trivia... and so much more*!
During this time, Jason created strong partnerships with people across the Taco Bell business, which led to curiosity about what they did, how they go there, etc. That's where he learned about People & Culture Business Partners (PCBP).
“The more I learned about people operations, HR and all the different roles that existed in this field... the more I felt like a traditional PCBP path was the one for me. In my role on the Engagement team, I felt like I had a small impact on the lives of those at the RSC, and because PCBP’s also play an active role in the morale and development of a targeted group, I felt some parallels. So, I made it known to those around me. I spoke with my coach Zach T., and he encouraged me to put it on my IDP (which stands for Individual Development Plan). I’d never had a corporate job before this, and neither did those in my inner circle. So, Zach was the first to teach me how to navigate this environment. At the same time, my mentor, Genny M., helped me figure out what skills I needed to develop to continue on the PCBP path, too. Then, mid last year, I got the opportunity to take on an STA for the PCBP team, supporting the Taco Bell **Service Desk with Rocio M., as my coach.”
As part of his STA, Jason was on the PCBP team for six months, handling different tasks and supporting the overall team. As Jason’s end date for the STA was approaching, a new role opened on the People & Culture team, focusing on the teams in the field – those who lead the amazing Taco Bell Corp. restaurants across the nation. After lots of thinking, Jason decided to truly lean into his new-found passion in the PCBP space and apply for the role... and he got it!
“I’m excited to get back into field work as I worked in restaurants early on in my life. In this role, I’ll be able to support the field equity teams working on many different projects.”
It’s no doubt that Jason’s career path has been dynamic. With experience in so many different fields, he believes that being flexible is key to overcoming challenges.
“Finding a system that works for you can be a challenge. If the roles you take on vary so greatly, you have to change the way you operate. Whether it’s taking notes, calendar management or even how you communicate with cross-functional partners, you have to be flexible in those new environments. For me, this was evident when I went from planning fun events to taking on the PCBP role and having tough conversations.”
These challenges can be faced with transferable skills learned on the job – and that’s exactly what Jason did.
“When I applied for the engagement role, I had never had corporate office experience up until then. So, I sent over a list of what I learned in previous jobs, showcasing what I did and what I took away from each opportunity:
The restaurant job at 15 taught me hard work.
The performing job taught me how to be calm and collected when something went wrong.
The administrative job taught me how to communicate in different ways and how to organize people that work and think very differently from myself.
All these learnings helped me when I came to Taco Bell. And the engagement role taught me creativity, thinking outside the box and bringing ideas from other spaces into my role to find eloquent solutions.”
Jason’s diverse career journey has helped him build a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate and craft a career. The following is what he’d advise to those finding their own road:
“Nobody’s career path is the same: I like to use the phrase corporate lattice, instead of corporate ladder. Ladders go up and down, but a lattice can get you anywhere in any direction, and sometimes that is what is needed to get you to the right places in life. Not every move is directly up.
Be curious: Knowing as much as possible about the different parts of the business gives you a better perspective on how it all comes together. With this, you’re able to make better decisions for yourself and your career.
Keep an open mind: Sometimes, that means getting scrappy and finding a way to put something together despite constraints.”
Looking to the future, Jason hopes he leaves a legacy of connecting people and purpose.
“I want my legacy to be the way I make other people feel. If the people who are around me feel worthwhile, intrigued, and valued, then I'll be happy.”
Jason, we’re so proud of you and all your accomplishments. We cannot wait to see the amazing things you continue to do at The Bell.
*Jason is also a co-host of Taco Bell’s weekly corporate virtual newsletter, At The Bell.
**A note from Jason: “Special shout-out to the Taco Bell Service Desk, who embraced me and saw me as a resource from the beginning. This group does a lot of hard work, running the business day in and out!”