How to Get There: Johnson & Johnson Senior Manager
As a teen, being an adult and choosing a job feels like a dark looming challenge with many obstacles. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Top people in all fields had to start somewhere, right? The mission of the How to Get There series is to explore the journey and simplify the process, therefore bringing it to the growing-up-21st-century audience.
It began on a hot July morning at the famed Gaston Hall at Georgetown University. After introductions were made by students, Yvette Williams took to the stage. After her speech for the Junior State of America, I asked for her contact information for an interview and she gave me her card. And with much excitement, the interview soon arrived.
The Position:
I am a Senior Manager of Political Programs and Grassroots Advocacy at Johnson & Johnson.
The Person Behind it:
Yvette Williams
The Process:
I was born in Washington, DC. By the age of four I went to North Carolina to stay with my grandparents and start elementary school. I came back to the DC area in second grade. When I was growing up I had no idea what government affairs was or what it entailed.
Before my parents died they were government workers. So when I graduated from high school I wanted to get a criminal justice degree and start working for the State of Maryland in their juvenile justice program. I did not plan on working in corporate America, my plan was really centered around government service.
As a college freshman, I attended a technology school in Chicago but it wasn’t my top choice nor did it offer my major, criminal justice. Unfortunately, my financial aid ran out but everything happens for a reason.
By my second semester I ended up coming back to the DC / Maryland area and worked temporary assignments for a year. While working as a temp, I received the opportunity to attend Methodist College (now University) in Fayetteville, NC with full financial aid, including student loans, majoring in criminal justice and sociology.
While completing my final semester, I worked in juvenile justice probation for the local Cumberland County Courthouse as a court counselor assistant. Retaining the goal of returning home, I applied to work for the state of Maryland’s juvenile probation division. But as you can imagine, background checks take a long time and there were bills to be paid so I took temp jobs, one of them working for Johnson & Johnson.
Fast forward, after three or four months of being a temporary receptionist with J&J, the background check for Maryland finally came through as clean with an offer. However, I chose to accept an offer as a receptionist with Johnson & Johnson because of the benefits with the intention of only staying a couple of years to get on my feet. Well, needless to say, those two years turned into many.
I have to attribute my current position to two great bosses who took a chance on me having no political science background or Capitol Hill experience. Over time, I became a senior analyst then manager now senior manager. As the responsibilities progressed I was promoted.
Things to Keep in Mind:
My primary work responsibilities include managing grassroots outreach and non-partisan Get Out The Vote programs for employees and retirees of the company. I track our domestic footprint in the United States and Puerto Rico where we have facilities, employee presence, and coordinate facility visits from government officials.
There is no typical day, but there is no boring day. It depends on the needs of our federal and state government affairs colleagues. Sometimes there are fire drills when urgent items arise and that issue becomes the priority for the moment.
I wish I had known the value of networking. My trajectory, upbringing, background, did not lend itself to knowing about the term. Networking is such a key thing that I learned along the way, whether it is in an official capacity to get to know other people in a field of interest to create connections or informal, relaxed settings.
Unique Experiences:
Recently, I had the honor and privilege of returning from a month long assignment in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Johnson & Johnson has a pro-bono program called “Talent for Good” where employees can apply for an assignment and work with a non-government organization (NGO) focused on health care issues. I was accepted with another teammate to help a local NGO with their strategy and growth planning. As consultants, we were there to analyze the proposed scope of work, observe, listen, and ultimately provide short and long-term recommendations.
During my time in this amazing country, even with all its challenges like anywhere else despite language and cultural differences, there is a fundamental understanding of how much alike we are than different. The world is smaller everyday.
Advice:
Network, not just in the digital space, network with different communities and areas of interest in-person. Building relationships is key. It allows you to explore and see if that field is the one you want to work in. It really is an unlimited, no-cost invaluable resource.
Also, try everything. Expose yourself to new challenges. If there is an opportunity to do a semester abroad or travel- do it. Even if you do not have money or resources, trust me I understand those barriers quite well, apply for opportunities with scholarships and seek out mentors for guidance.
When you are starting out and trying to decide “What do I want to do?” “What do I want to be?”- This is the best time in your life to try as many things as possible but also revisit those questions often throughout your career and lifetime.
It’s OK to change course and make U-turns in life. If one path does not suit you, make a different choice. Keep being curious, asking questions and moving forward. Always stand in your truth.
Views and experiences expressed by the guest contributor are her own and not as a spokesperson for any organization or company.