Finding My Career

As you may have gathered, my early career journey was somewhat varied as I sought to identify my true interests and strengths. While diligently working towards my bachelor's and master's degrees in Biology, my mentor posed a thought-provoking question: "Why aren't you pursuing something that aligns more naturally with your talents, like business instead of biology?" At the time, I didn't fully grasp what he meant. However, as I embarked on my career search, it became clear that he had recognized a quality in me that I had yet to see in myself: a natural aptitude for business.

Ree's Professional Experience

I began my professional career as a purchasing and supply agent for a local bank. In layman's terms, I was responsible for ordering essential supplies like toilet paper and snacks for the breakroom. Over time, I advanced within the same bank to an accounts payable role and eventually discovered my passion for Human Resources (HR). I was entrusted with the task of developing an HR department from the ground up as the organization was rapidly expanding. To meet this challenge, I immersed myself in learning all aspects of HR and earned certifications from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

As the Director of Human Resources and Vice President at FirstBank, I played a pivotal role in strategically advancing the organization. I created HR policies, procedures, best practices, and process improvements, which supported the bank's growth to five locations and over 200 employees across southeastern Oklahoma. One of my significant achievements was leading the transition from a predominantly paper-based HR practice to a Human Capital Management (HCM) solution, resulting in a completely paperless and streamlined process.

In this initiative, I acted as a key stakeholder and project leader. Starting with a needs assessment, I identified issues with our existing payroll system and evaluated various vendors to find an appropriate HCM solution. I developed project goals and objectives, aiming to provide a comprehensive platform for employees to manage personal information, payroll, benefits, time and attendance, compensation, performance, applicant tracking, and other HR areas. After selecting a software platform, I collaborated closely with the project consultant to define business and solution requirements, configure and test the system, and document and analyze our progress. I also developed and delivered training to over 200 end users and implemented a change management initiative across the organization. By managing the transition of employee information and payroll data from the legacy system to the new HCM system, I successfully deployed the system on time and within budget.

After my tenure at the local bank, I pursued an opportunity with a sovereign nation as a senior business analyst for a Cloud HCM implementation. I led the implementation of modules for HR, Benefits, and Compensation until the go-live phase, after which I was promoted to lead a team handling additional modules, including payroll, learning, recruiting, and timekeeping. When I left the nation, I held the position of Director of HCM Support, providing technical and functional support for the HCM system to our organizational business partners.

Following my time with the sovereign nation, I entered the world of Big 4 Consulting. I am currently a manager at a Big 4 firm, specializing in HCM implementations and deployments. I hold two professional certifications for HR and Compensation module implementation.

I share this background to illustrate the journey of a small-town girl with ambition and determination to learn, grow, and excel in my field of expertise.

A Comprehensive Guide to Transition from an Entry-Level Position to a Professional Role

Navigating the journey from an entry-level position to a more advanced professional role can be both exciting and challenging. This transition often requires a strategic approach, a commitment to personal and professional development, and a proactive mindset. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make this transition smoothly and successfully.

1. Set Clear Career Goals

   • Define Your Career Path

     • I started by identifying my long-term career goals. Where do I see myself in five or ten years? Understanding my desired career trajectory helped me make informed decisions about the skills I needed to develop and the opportunities I should pursue.

   • Create a Roadmap

     • Once I had a clear vision of my career goals, I created a roadmap that outlines the steps I needed to take to achieve these. For me, this included gaining specific experiences, acquiring new skills, or obtaining additional certifications. Today, I often develop both short-term and long-term roadmaps to stay engaged and motivated on my professional growth.

2. Develop Key Skills

   • Technical Skills

     • I ensured I had a strong foundation in the technical skills required for my desired role. For me, this involved taking courses, attending workshops, watching video trainings and seeking out on-the-job training opportunities. At times, I found myself personally financing trainings and skill development, as an investment to my career. However, many companies provide assistance for educational and certification pursuits, so be sure to check with your HR or learning department.

   • Soft Skills

     • I cannot overly emphasize the importance of soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often what differentiate successful professionals from peers. I have witnessed highly qualified and educated individuals miss out on career opportunities because they lacked soft skills. In today's technology-driven world, where face-to-face communication is less common, I often observe young professionals struggling with soft skills. For me, I sought out opportunities to develop these skills through volunteer work, joining professional organizations, or taking on leadership roles in projects.

3. Seek Out Mentorship

   • Find a Mentor

     • My mentors provide valuable guidance, support, and insights as I navigated my career path. They helped me grow professionally and personally, providing guidance and opportunities for success along the way. I still heavily rely on my mentors today, even if it's just for occasional encouragement. Look for someone who has experience in your desired field and can offer advice on how to achieve your career goals.

   • Build a Network

     • In addition to finding a mentor, I also focused on building a strong professional network. For me, I attended industry events, join professional associations, and connect with colleagues and leaders in my field. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support and resources. Although many careers can now be remote, networking remains a crucial aspect of professional growth and success. While networking opportunities look different today than they did 5 to 10 years ago, they still exist. Be sure to seek out and capitalize on these opportunities.

4. Take Initiative

   • Volunteer for Challenging Projects

     • I found showing my willingness to take on new challenges by volunteering for projects that stretch my abilities the best way to gain knowledge and skills. Using this technique will demonstrate your commitment to growth and can help you gain valuable experience and visibility within your organization.

   • Propose Solutions

     • As a leader, I encourage my team to "bring possible solutions when presenting a problem." Keep this approach in mind when communicating with your superiors. Identify areas where you can add value and propose solutions to existing problems. This proactive approach will set you apart as a problem-solver and a leader, increasing your chances of being considered for advanced roles

5. Continuously Learn and Adapt

   • Stay Updated

     • My chosen professional landscape is constantly evolving, as will yours. Staying up to date on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices is critical for any growing professional. For me this was, reading industry publications, attending learning opportunities, and participating in webinar trainings. To achieve the job you aspire to, not just the one you currently have, anticipate learning opportunities and take action on them.

   • Embrace Feedback

     • I find this to be my biggest strength. I actively seek and embrace feedback from supervisors, peers, and mentors. I make it a point to request feedback frequently and promptly, understanding feedback is NOT personally. I utilize this feedback to pinpoint areas for improvement and continuously refine my skills and approach. I often tell my coaches, "I thrive on critical feedback. Praise makes me semi-uncomfortable."

6. Demonstrate Professionalism

   • Exhibit a Strong Work Ethic

     • I will never claim to be the smartest person in the room, but I will commit to being the hardest working. In 15 years , I consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic by being reliable, punctual, and dedicated to my work. This builds trust and shows that I are ready for greater responsibilities.

   • Maintain a Positive Attitude

     • A positive attitude can go a long way in establishing your professional reputation. My personal approach to challenges is a can-do mindset. I am ready to support and collaborate with my colleagues.

7. Prepare for the Next Step

   • Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

     • As I gained new skills and experiences, rather than trying to remember and think back only when applying for new positions, I kept my resume and LinkedIn profile updated at all times. This is a monthly if not weekly must do, highlighting my achievements, responsibilities, and the impact I've made in my current role.

   • Practice Interview Skills

     • For me this resembled, preparing for potential interviews by practicing responses to common questions and by articulating my career goals, experiences, and the value I would bring to a new role. Role playing with a peer is a great way to prepare, as well.

Conclusion

Transitioning from an entry-level position to a more advanced professional role is a multifaceted journey that demands strategic planning, continuous learning, and proactive engagement. By setting clear career goals, developing both technical and soft skills, seeking mentorship, building a robust professional network, and demonstrating initiative, you can navigate this path successfully. Embracing feedback, staying updated on industry trends, and maintaining professionalism are crucial elements that will distinguish you in your career progression. Remember to keep your resume and LinkedIn profile current and practice your interview skills regularly to be prepared for new opportunities.

Remember, every step you take brings you closer to your ultimate career aspirations.

Stay focused, stay motivated, and embrace the journey.

My first career headshot, circa 2011