3 Questions With...Briana Reckling

Briana Reckling is a Sales Representative at Smith+Nephew and a University of South Carolina Class of '22 grad, where she was on the Academic Honor Roll, an athlete on the track and cross country team, in a sorority, and President of the Black Business Student Association, among critical activities.

She exemplifies the term "multi-hyphenate," and she does it all with grace and authenticity, as I had the opportunity to experience first-hand when I interviewed her for an alumni series on her college career and post-college transition to professional life for the USC Center for Sales Success . ?? [Link to Series]

So with that, here's Briana Reckling:

Passion: Working with the younger generation warms my heart. I volunteered with young teenage girls at an organization called Girls Inc. and it was one of the best experiences I've had thus far. I find much value in being a positive role model for younger children and teens, so anything I can do to help mentor or educate them is highly fulfilling.

Purpose: I am not quite sure what my exact purpose is?yet.?I am continuously searching for it in my day-to-day lifestyle. It may be right in front of me, and I haven't discovered it or pieced it together. However, I'm sure that with time, I will be able to fully understand what it is and act on it.

What is your preferred term and why - Work/life balance? Work/life integration? Work/life boundaries?

A little bit of everything works for me. I agree with the idea of keeping both work and personal life separate because it allows me to ensure my personal time is not affected by my life at work, and I can have time for my own hobbies as well. However, because I am in sales, there may be times I have to send a few emails or put surgeries on the calendar while I am running errands or doing extracurricular activities. I don't mind it at all because my team is super flexible and helpful in prioritizing mental health and wellness, and our job can have a significant impact on that.

However, it's essential to create boundaries within your schedule to perform to the best of your ability in both your work and personal life. The most important thing is to do what works best for you.

Can you describe the transition from college to "normal life" and the emotions involved? What did it feel like?

Transitioning from college to "normal life" was a bit difficult for me. I moved to a new city, had a new job, and, ideally, was trying to figure out my new life on my own. I struggled at first because I was so accustomed to having 6 A.M. practice, going to class after, and doing homework and extracurricular activities in my free time. That was my "norm" for so long. Now that I had my "big girl job," it was a huge adjustment waking up and going to work and not having practice or any assignments due or meetings to attend.

Somehow, I felt like something was missing or that I should be doing more with my time. I've been a student-athlete since the age of 7, so you can see why I felt like a big part of me was missing. My identity was found in my sport, and no longer being an athlete made me search for who I truly was outside of just being a student-athlete. For a while, I felt unfulfilled and pushed myself to work out every day. I felt guilty on the days I didn't, and sometimes still do, as I had maintained a near-daily workout routine with little time for relaxation for over 14 years.

For a few months, I searched for the same satisfaction I received in college by investing my time in things I thoroughly enjoyed.

They say you figure out who you are when you’re in college, but personally, I figured that out when I graduated.

Because I had so much free time after work, I started just to try new things. Whether pottery or painting classes, new restaurants, walking alongside the beach, volunteering, etc., I began liking new daily activities that helped regulate a new life for me. As time passed, I started to find a new rhythm that made me content. It took some time, but the journey ultimately deepened my gratitude for discovering my true self.

What does work look like when it's fun?

When you don't dread going to work on a Monday, you know you enjoy your job. As a medical device sales representative, I find my work fascinating, and it constantly challenges my knowledge of sports-related surgeries. The social interaction with healthcare professionals and the positive impact we make on the community makes my job truly rewarding. A positive work environment, flexible schedule, growth opportunities, and recognition for my contributions all contribute to my increased motivation, satisfaction, and overall well-being.

?? Professional Links

Briana Reckling on LinkedIn

The College Experience with Briana Reckling [Article]

?? Be sure to check out the previous edition of 3 Questions With..., Aurélie Chazal, a Technical Solutions Consultant.

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