The Path To Career Success Doesn’t Have To Be A Straight Line

In my job, I regularly have the chance to speak with students and young adults who are just starting their careers. They’re eager, enthusiastic, and ready to succeed and it’s energizing to be around them.

One question I get asked a lot in those conversations: how did you get to where you are now?

I usually start by telling people that when I was a kid, I’d take the bus after school to visit my mom at the office where she worked in downtown San Francisco. Those visits opened my eyes to a whole new world. I’d play with office supplies and sit in her boss’s chair and pretend to be in charge. I loved it and I knew that I wanted to be the boss of something someday.

I feel fortunate that I’ve accomplished that goal. But it wasn’t a straight path from wanting to be a boss to actually becoming one. I think many people assume that all executives had a careful plan to get where they are: They went from high school to college, from college to a job at a prestigious company, then got a graduate degree like an MBA, then followed carefully-plotted steps to move up the business ranks. That may be true for some people but it wasn’t true for me.

I didn’t go straight to college after high school. I went to work, juggling several part-time jobs in banking, retail, and telephony. A colleague from one of those jobs helped me find my first full-time position. As I worked my way up at that company, I started thinking about what was next. I still wanted to be the boss of something, but I noticed that everyone in a leadership position at my company had a college degree. It felt like I had hit a professional ceiling and I’d need a degree to break through.

I knew from my time working multiple jobs that I could handle balancing my full-time job in the banking industry with a part-time college program. So I found one that worked for me and enrolled, eventually graduating with a degree in Computer Science.

At the same time, as I was working in banking, I spent a lot of energy trying to fit in. I wore boxy suits to blend in with the men. And sometimes I wore non-prescription glasses to make myself look older. I worked hard and moved up the ranks, but I didn’t feel like I was being my authentic self. 

And so when I interviewed at Salesforce, I dressed in an outfit that felt more like me, something that I felt great in. I didn’t wear those fake glasses and I didn’t wear a boxy suit. I wanted to work at a place where I didn’t have to pretend. Because I felt comfortable and authentic, my interview was strong and I got the job.

I spent several years working in the CIO’s office, managing technology business operations. On the advice of my boss/mentor, I made a point of connecting with every female executive at Salesforce, which at the time, wasn’t very many. Several years later, one of those connections presented me with an opportunity: would I join the Global Philanthropy and Engagement team at Salesforce.org?

At first my gut reaction was no. I was passionate about giving back but I’d never planned to make it part of my career. And I didn’t think I would fit in with the Philanthropy world. But my mentors persuaded me to give it a try for a year.

As it turned out, I loved it. What started as a year-long test run has turned into almost six years with Global Philanthropy & Engagement and the most fulfilling job I’ve ever had. I’m proud to be part of a team that is helping nonprofits and educational institutions accelerate their impact. I am inspired every day by the Salesforce employees who are committed to giving back to the causes they care about.

I’m so grateful to be in this job. But as you can see, it wasn’t a straight path. Plans and checklists are great (I have many), but they’re not the only means to success. The path to my current role involved a college degree, but I know that’s not the case for everyone, nor should it be. Everyone’s path will be different.

I do believe there are some universal ingredients for career success. Grit and hard work will take you far. Connections in your professional network and guidance from mentors can be invaluable. And don’t forget to be true to yourself and stay open to unexpected opportunities. You never know where those paths might lead.