From studying to be a teacher to working in financial software & tech
- I chose an education degree back in college because I knew that I could use it to not only become a teacher but it would also be an attractive degree to other potential employers. I decided to not go into the classroom when I graduated and instead turned my attention to searching for a corporate career path.
- When I started my first "real" job search, I found myself gravitating towards opportunities that fit my characteristics. I have always been a people person, a communicator, and someone who values serving others. In addition, I am a perpetual student who enjoys learning. It became a natural thing for me to take a client support role that showed off my soft skills in an industry I knew nothing about, but I could learn something entirely new...financial services.
- As my financial services career progressed, I was attracted to the vendors that provided my operations teams with the tools they need to do their jobs. I made a calculated decision during my early professional life to be hired by a financial services software provider. That is why I have been working in fin tech the past 18+ years (Most of those years with Linedata). I am working with Linedata again, and that is where I want to stay for the rest of my career. It feels the closest to being a "professional home" that I have had in my career.
I manage relationships and build partnerships with my clients
My role at Linedata is to assist with my clients' issues and projects, to demonstrate value in the products and services they have with our company, to advocate for them internally, and to provide solutions to their pain points. I learn about my clients' business, strategy, and structure, which helps me in being a partner to them and building bridges between my client and Linedata. I make connections and communicate with all types of professionals at my client firms from end users to C suite executives.
I love working with clients both internally and externally
As a relationship manager ("RM"), I am seen externally as the main Linedata contact to my clients. They come to me for everything that Linedata does for them in the past, present, and future. They involve me with everything they think that we can be a part of to sustain and to grow their business. At the same time, I have the opportunity to be my clients' advocate inside the walls of my company. As I am lobbying for my clients, my role allows me to interact with so many great teams and co--workers here at Linedata (who are fantastic people and customer-focused professionals).
Get to know yourself so well that you are able to forge your own path
Life (personal and professional) is truly a winding road. It is never straight ahead, paved perfectly, or timed exactly. As you move forward through your career, do your job the best you can and be curious enough to keep learning along the way. Eventually through experience, trial and error, and knowing yourself, you will find your place, discover where you want to be, and create the balance you seek in life.
