Sarah Atencio-Trader

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I didn't pick my career, my career picked me. I had all kinds of ideas growing up of what I wanted to be - veterinarian, teacher, doctor, dancer, actress, archeologist - and the list goes on. Clearly I had a wide variety of interests. However, the one area I was really passionate about in high school was art. I loved drawing, painting and photography. I would spend hours in my room trying different painting techniques and creating things. It made me happy. So that's what I focused on in college. My parents thought this was risk. After all, "Do you really want to be a starving artist?" They suggested I do a double major in art and business, so I would have something to fall back on. Majoring in business sounded like absolute torture to me so we compromised with a double art emphasis on photography and graphic design, both of which are still art related but also have practical applications. I did an internship in graphic design and that's what I started out doing after graduating college. I worked for companies designing brochures and other print mail, as well as digital content like web pages, banner ads, etc. I loved it. I did that kind of work for a few years until one day my boss approached me and said that due to budget cuts, they were eliminating the design team. However, technology was expanding and they needed a Business Analyst. Because I was a hard worker with a good track record, they wanted to offer me the first crack at it. I had to decide to stay with a company I knew and loved, but switch careers, or quit and find somewhere else to do design work. I knew nothing about Business Analysis but decided to accept the challenge, so I dove right in. I learned a lot and helped create not only that role at the company but later, an entire team. From there I moved around between BA and Project Management roles. After a time, I grew bored and needed a new challenge. I began to think about being a people leader. I love working with and helping people. I knew that a career that would allow me to do that would suit me well. I was right. I have been a people leader for several years now and I know it's what I was meant to do. I have a passion for coaching and problem solving with my team. I look forward to providing real-time feedback that I know will help others. I have a knack for playing to people's strengths and constructively presenting opportunities for growth. I wouldn't have ever thought to do in to people management in college. I thought "managers" bossed people around and told them what to do. Where's the satisfaction in that? But it's so much more and I know it's my calling. The moral of the story? Follow your passions and play to your strengths. Also, you never know where an opportunity is going to take you so when one presents itself, really consider it. Even if it's scary or seems out in left field. It just might lead you to your dream job.