What makes an indie film’s special effects feel better than a blockbuster? For Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, the answer was a small, collaborative team of filmmakers who weren’t afraid to step into another world and try something new.
As one multiverse film up against many from studios like Marvel — with hundreds of visual effects artists at its disposal — the six total digital artists on EEAAO relied on old experience and new skills learned on the job to achieve the movie’s Academy Award-winning look. Even the infamous matter-consuming everything bagel required the entire team to study Blender’s popular beginner doughnut tutorial to brush up on their 3D rendering knowledge. Having the opportunity to learn new skills as they worked gave team members the tools they needed to succeed.
The small-team success of EEAAO underlines the positive impact of workplaces where on-the-job continuous learning is encouraged, and companies that provide regular growth opportunities to employees are likely to retain them. According to Pew Research Center, the majority of workers who left their jobs in 2021 did so due to a lack of career advancement opportunities.
For jobseekers looking for workplaces that offer a collaborative and learning-focused workplace in the Austin area, look no further than the two companies featured on his list. And you don’t have to traverse the multiverse to get an inside look — Built In Austin spoke with team members from Udemy and MVF to hear what life is like at these companies hiring right now.
Udemy is an online skills marketplace and learning platform, empowering organizations and individuals with flexible skill development.
How long have you been with Udemy? What made you know it was the right spot for you?
I’ve been with Udemy for over six years, and it’s been an incredible journey. What really resonated with me from the start was the mission of transforming lives through learning and making education available and easily accessible globally. Every day brings something new and a chance to learn and grow alongside some truly amazing folks.
What ultimately convinced me that this was the right spot for me was the opportunities for growth and learning. Whether it’s diving into new technologies, exploring innovative ideas or honing my soft skills through collaboration, there’s always something new to discover. This environment constantly challenges me to push my boundaries and expand my technical expertise and interpersonal skills, aligning perfectly with the evolving demands of the skills-based economy where reskilling and upskilling outweigh pedigree.
“This environment constantly challenges me to push my boundaries and expand my technical expertise and interpersonal skills.”
What’s your favorite part about your office?
My favorite aspect of our office isn’t confined to one spot: what I love most is the vibrant atmosphere and collaborative spirit. From impromptu brainstorming sessions to the synergy of working alongside passionate colleagues, the collective energy and teamwork make coming to the office exciting.
Describe Udemy’s culture in one word.
Dynamic. This term perfectly characterizes our company’s atmosphere. We’re all about staying active and adaptable. Whether we’re brainstorming solutions or working on projects together, there’s this exciting energy that keeps us moving forward. One of our core values is “always learning.” We’re always growing, keeping up with what’s happening.
MVF is a customer generation company that supplies businesses with high volumes of new customers globally.
How long have you been with MVF? What made you know it was the right spot for you?
Bailey: I’m just about to hit my one-year mark at the beginning of June, and it has flown by! I knew MVF was the place for me because it had everything I was looking for when I left my other job. It was a place where I could be challenged, see myself growing and furthering my career and have a team I could learn from. The people also made me feel so welcome, and the workplace culture just helped solidify my decision to accept a job here.
Olivia: I’ve been with MVF for just over six months. I immediately knew MVF was the perfect fit for me because I felt myself wanting to go to work every day. I truly enjoy the workplace culture; Because of the exciting work I’m able to do, yes, but also because I love hanging out with my coworkers.
“I immediately knew MVF was the perfect fit for me because I felt myself wanting to go to work every day.”
What’s your favorite part about your office?
Bailey: My favorite part of the office is the amenities we have here. There’s cold brew on tap, fun monthly events and the opportunity to connect with so many people you probably would never get to meet. It also helps to have quieter spaces for meetings or little one-on-ones.
The location is also excellent. We’re pretty close to downtown, so you have all the spots to go right after work, and commuting here takes me less than 15 minutes — which is great!
Olivia: I’m a big fan of the ninth-floor communal area. It’s so fun to take a quick break with other MVFers and walk up there to grab a coffee or kombucha together. It gives all of us a chance to hear about one another’s weekend plans and how life is going.
Describe your company culture in one word. What made you pick that word?
Bailey: Dynamic. There’s always something going on, which makes the days go by so fast and feel so productive. There’s constant problem-solving, collaborating, laughter and just plain fun that goes on here. You truly never know what kind of day you will be walking into, which for me makes it such a great place to work.
Olivia: Supportive. While I love the amount of fun and laughter in the office, I particularly appreciate the support I receive from MVF. From taking sick days to being thoroughly recognized for my accomplishments to getting help with the smallest questions, everyone is ready to drop everything to help each other out.
