Journey to Happiness
Finding true joy early in your career is not impossible. It should be an expectation for all of us, but do we really know what we’re looking for? My name is Laura Ann. Yes, the whole thing. No, Ann is not my middle name. Yes, I do have a middle name, it's Jessica. No, you cannot call me Laura. I am 23 years young and have a BS in Accountancy from DePaul University in Chicago.
When I was entering my senior year of college and was applying to full time positions, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I studied Accounting for 4 years (because YAY Math!), and in those 4 years I learned that accounting was not for me. It was too mundane, too repetitive. After speaking to those in my network, and hearing the experiences of those who interviewed me, it only solidified my opinion that neither public nor corporate accounting was the right career path for me. From what I could tell, everyone who had started in public accounting had been miserable those first few years as they suffered through long hours and mind-numbingly dull entry-level work. Sure, they learned a lot, but at what cost? Their sanity? No, thanks.
Throughout my entire college career, I was an active participant in the sales, marketing and management fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE). I held several leadership roles and positions throughout my time in the organization but most importantly, I was President my senior year. The summer before my Fall quarter started, the PSE National Headquarters, along with the help of some very dedicated alumni and partners, hosted a President's Retreat in Milwaukee. It was there that I first learned that rotational programs for fresh grads exist, as one of PSE's sponsors was using the event as a recruitment tool for their sales rotational. This idea FASCINATED me. Rotating between different roles until you figure out what it is you want to do? Sign me up! I just had to find one that was applicable to me, because as much as I love sales, I didn't want to pursue that path either.
Then in my intense searches, I found what I was looking for. One of the companies was starting a Finance Development Program at their headquarters and they were looking for their first set of guinea pigs. I inquired about the program, applied, went through the whole interviewing process, etc. When I went to my interviews, I was asked why a Finance rotational, and I was honest - I had studied accounting and realized it wasn't for me. I wanted the opportunity to try new things, be challenged, and continue to learn, which is exactly what the program was offering. But it wasn't my only offer.
As I mentioned, I was in a business fraternity throughout my entire college career. As a student who commuted to campus for all 4 years, PSE was my main source of relationship building, so both my network and friendships largely sprang from this group. When I was a senior, PSE HQ was looking for new staff. As this organization is something I have deep passion for, I was very interested in this opportunity. I applied, went through the whole interviewing process, etc. I was offered a position with PSE, as the Finance Manager which was not exactly the role I had applied for.
I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I received 2 offers from 2 amazing organizations that hit all the key things I was looking for in a place to work: focus on corporate social responsibility, continued learning, and continued challenges in everyday work/tasks. I personally align with both missions, so this was not an easy decision for me to make.
Ultimately, I chose to go with where I am now. The opportunities I have had going through Internal Audit, Global Business Services (formerly Finance Shared Services) in the Project Management Office, Corporate Accounting, and now a Business Unit role are unlike anything I could have imagined when I was starting my career. Although Internal Audit and Corporate Accounting are both "accounting" roles, I truly enjoyed my time in these rotations, learning a lot about myself in the process. I wake up every day happy with my choice and excited to go to work each day.
Often people outside STEM disciplines assume that those of us that choose this career path are boring and/or nerdy. Being in roles that were more closely aligned with my accountancy degree, I realized this stereotype is not quite accurate. The teams I was fortunate enough to be placed on were with some of the best people I have had the pleasure of working with. Each team member was not only a phenomenal mentor, but also someone I wouldn’t mind grabbing drinks with after work. As I have been working since 16, I know this balance is hard to come by.
My key goal throughout all four of my rotations has been to continue to build and grow my network. With the opportunities this organization has given me, and the encouragement I have received from various team members and mentors, I have met and achieved this goal. I have gained the confidence needed to approach those outside my network, to continue to grow my own set of knowledge and skills. I have learned how to nurture the relationships I have created, ensuring they are mutually beneficial for both mentor and mentee. Most importantly, I learned what types of activities I like to dedicate myself to, both in my working hours and outside - the things that I am most passionate about. Which is why I am still involved as an alum in my business fraternity from college and have become an active member of a few Business Resource Groups at work.
I have so much more to share with you about the details of my journey. How I found happiness and belonging within the technical fields, but ultimately how I’m able to make an impact on those around me in support of my mission. You deserve to enjoy your career and you don’t have to wait to start. What makes you excited to jump out of bed each morning?
- Laura Ann
