How would you describe your role to someone unfamiliar with this kind of work?
As a Specialist on the Business Diversity team at United Airlines, I focus on programming initiatives that support diverse-owned businesses. We break down barriers by organizing educational programs, ambassador summits, and facilitating attendance at national conferences with our certification partners. I also serve as a key liaison between our team and United’s Business Resource Groups, fostering collaboration and ensuring that our efforts align with the broader diversity and inclusion goals of the company. I am also a Early Career Professional Admin Chair, supporting those joining United.
What do you like about your job/career path?
I am thrilled to be a part of a team pioneering change in the corporate world on topics of business diversity. We’re challenging traditional norms, making a real impact, and I’m excited about the future opportunities for growth and development. Our team is working to become part of the Billion Dollar Roundtable, and I am happy that I got to see it from the start. Additionally, this role is a springboard for my career in United, and I’m eager to see where it takes me. No matter what path I take, I know that I have the support of my leaders to connect me to teams across the industry.
What’s one quality or skill that students can develop that’s highly valued by people in your field?
One skill that I think is crucial is proper communication, whether it be over email, during meetings, or over the phone. I have seen plenty of emails from potential suppliers that have no context to who they are, what they are requesting, conflicting information, and it all looses the impact of what could have been a successful interaction. By being clear and direct in your communication styles, you will accelerate your career and set yourself up for leadership roles.
How did you secure your current job?
I got this current role after applying and leveraging recommendations during my internship with United Airlines. I was a campus ambassador for United while in my undergrad studies, a position I got from a Handshake search. I was required to have an internship to graduate from one of my programs and Handshake made that possible.
What guidance can you share with students about work/life balance?
I think it is crucial to your sanity and career to self-advocate. Your work-life balance is crucial and can really affect how comfortable you feel in a new working environment. Being able to express how you are handling workloads is where many lack when entering the workforce. If you feel like you aren’t getting enough responsibility, suggest new initiatives. And if you are getting to much, talk to your leaders and see how to shift expectations. You don’t have to say yes to everything to make your impact, if anything can dilute your final product. Put your sanity first and communicate.
“I think it is crucial to your sanity and career to self-advocate… You don’t have to say yes to everything to make your impact.”
