Adarius Begay’s journey from intern to full-time employee is a great reminder that career growth isn’t just about doing the work, it’s also about who you are. This is a value that was instilled in him from his Navajo upbringing.
“One of the most important lessons my father taught my brother and I is that the work you do is valuable, but it’s how the community sees you that truly matters,” Adarius reflected. “Giving back, being positive, and showing respect to others, that’s what really counts.” This foundation has shaped Adarius throughout his childhood and into his early career.
Starting his #LifeAtATT
Adarius joined AT&T in 2021 as an intern in our Technology Development Program (TDP) during the pandemic. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, his first project involved transforming a complex Excel document into a secure, user-friendly webform. This experience taught him valuable lessons about communication and collaboration. Two things that would follow him into his career.
Upon graduation, Adarius returned to the TDP as a full-time employee and participated in the two-year rotation program. It wasn’t long before he discovered his passion for Learning and Development, where he now builds training simulators to help employees navigate AT&T systems safely and efficiently. This role allowed him to combine his technical background with his interest in creating impactful learning tools.
“I love the work because it’s not just about coding; it’s about making sure employees can learn without the risk of mistakes affecting real-world data,” Adarius added. “It’s fun and rewarding to see that I’m contributing to training environments that empower people to learn and grow.”
Honoring his heritage
As his career progressed, Adarius found that communication was equally important when it came to sharing his Navajo heritage. During the recent eclipse, he had the opportunity to educate his coworkers about his cultural beliefs. According to Navajo tradition, he wasn’t supposed to be outside during the eclipse. Instead of simply opting out, he took the opportunity to share the cultural significance behind his choice.
“They were very interested in learning,” he said. “Again, it’s not just about the work you do, it’s about helping people understand and respect where you come from.”
For Adarius, AT&T has provided a space to grow professionally while staying true to his values. His story shows that you don’t have to choose between your career and your heritage. By embracing both, you can make a meaningful impact. Success isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about staying true to who you are, honoring your heritage, and living by your values. When we bring our whole selves to work, we not only grow professionally but also help others grow in the process.
For those looking to build a meaningful career, Adarius’ experience shows that with the right company, the possibilities are endless.
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