What have you accomplished in your professional life/career since your 40 Under 40 selection?
As a UW–Madison alumnus, it was always a dream of mine to “work for Bucky.” Although I loved the people that I worked with and my role at The QTI Group, I followed a passion and accomplished that dream by taking a role in corporate relations at the UW. In addition to that, one of my aspirations was to go back to school and earn an MBA. Since I was already on campus, there wasn’t a better time to do so. While working full time in corporate relations, I earned my MBA from the Wisconsin School of Business and graduated in 2018. Things came full circle when I decided to return to the private sector and fully utilize what I had studied. I have now been back at The QTI Group as a director of client relations for over two years. It was fun to go back and read my 40 Under 40 article from 2014 to see that I was able to accomplish what I had set my sights on, even though I took an amazing detour through campus. I couldn’t be happier in my current role, where I get to fulfill QTI’s mission to help organizations reach their full potential through people, consulting, and connecting in the HR industry.
What accomplishments, milestones, or endeavors have you attained in your personal life since your 40 Under 40 selection?
Since the 2014 40 Under 40 honor, I moved into a new home and married my amazing husband. It’s hard to believe we didn’t even have the legal right to do so at that time! We are incredibly grateful for that right and are now working on starting a family.
If you were to “do it all over again,” what (if anything) would you do differently throughout your career?
If I were to “do it all over again,” I am not sure that I would change much. I have always pushed myself to learn and improve, and I continue to do so every week. Instead of reading fiction, I am a sucker for a self-improvement or business book! I tend to be happier when I work hard and shoot for new goals, but also try to keep life in perspective. My career is important, but so is my family, friends, travel, and other passions.
How did your 40 Under 40 selection help your career?
It was an honor to be included in IB’s 40 Under 40, and I have been grateful for the events and the ability to build many connections through the vast network of professionals.
What is something that you have a new passion for since the time of your induction — either professionally or personally?
A passion of mine that has grown since 2014 is definitely travel! I have had amazing opportunities to travel to Europe, Asia, Australia, and other areas, and relish every experience. I fully believe that putting yourself in new and different circumstances teaches more than any degree can! All of that being said, there is something so special each time coming home to Madison. Although I love the experiences I gain, I appreciate our community even more every time I return home.
Based on your experience, do you have any advice for today’s young professionals (under 40)?
My advice for young professionals would be that it takes time. Whatever you’re working on, keep doing it! Nothing happens overnight. Keep your eye on the ball and work on progress, not perfection! Additionally, careers aren’t always linear. Although they can be, sometimes your career may take a turn. Be open to that as it can take you further than you may have thought.
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