Melanie Goddard

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

I used to have 3 jobs next to school to support myself (I moved out when I was 17). I was a barkeeper in a cocktail bar, a babysitter and a waitress in a small restaurant - I learned how to deal with people in different situations which taught me empathy. Because I was financially independent from an early age, I understood that hard work pays your bills and makes you confident.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

Things move fast and I have to keep a clear head to make decisions.

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

Believe in yourself. If you put in the work, you can do it.

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

I was overwhelmed by the choice out there and therefore became an accountant like my mother and grandmother before me. The love to work with people and in Sales showed in my side jobs and later on I was brave enough to change my career path.

Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?

My parents sent me to a mathematics/science school even though I was very bad in math and just a little better in science - I failed miserably and they had to take me out of that school after 2,5 years. This is how I ended up in a school specialized in accounting.