Mecca Mitchell

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

Managing your time is so very important to your success. Sometimes I would have a problem with procrastination and would wait until the last minute to complete a homework assignment. Though some people say they work better under pressure, all that does is add to the stress. So please manage your time well to avoid unnecessary stress.

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

I didn’t know that I was going to work in the accounting field. I initially went to school to be an actress and singer. I was a Drama major my freshman year but when I got halfway through my sophomore year I wanted to do something that would at least allow me to work while pursuing my artistic dreams. So I changed my major to Accounting (General Business is too ambiguous). That degree has allowed me to make a great living while at the same time pursue my singing dreams on the side.

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

I can’t say that anyone pushed me in a direction that I didn’t want to go. My parents were VERY supportive of my career choices and so I never felt I couldn’t do anything. I’m very blessed.

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge has been my own thoughts. You have to believe in what you want to do and believe in yourself. You can’t depend on others to believe in you because at the end of the day you have to look yourself in the mirror and be true to you. So please don’t give up. Go for it. Find a mentor to encourage you because we all need that positive push. Find out what work needs to be done and just do it. You will always be proud of yourself and you won’t have the woulda shoulda coulda mentality.