The career I have today is not the career I initially envisioned for myself. I have a degree in Social Work and saw myself in a practice setting supporting clients and patients with end-of-life care. My Social Work classes were interesting and challenging, especially my research stats class (more on that later).

Having worked in a survey call center to pay for college, I took a job as Field Office Supervisor while looking for my dream Social Work position. Turns out, this was the best decision I could have made, even though I didn’t know it at the time. I never got that so-called dream job, but I did end up on a path that has been both exciting and immensely rewarding, personally and professionally.

I am still utilizing my Social Work degree, but in a much different way than I could have ever imagined. After spending the first half of my career in client service positions I eventually transitioned to operations and it’s here that I found my passion. The funny thing? Throughout my career in survey research, I have been living and breathing that stats class every day! The best advice I can give is to challenge yourself to keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to take a new path, as you just might end up with your dream job after all.