How Identity Has Influenced a Membership Experience Manager's Career at University of Michigan
Annalee's financial struggles during school, requiring "student loans to pay for tuition" and juggling work and volunteering, forged a strong work ethic and resilience, proving invaluable in navigating a successful career; this experience shaped their ability to handle challenges and build strong relationships, leading to a fulfilling career path and a position where they now mentor others.
Resilience, Overcoming Challenges, Motivational Stories, Work-Life Balance, Financial Planning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Annalee Shelton
Membership Experience Manager
University of Michigan
California State University Northridge, 2006
Pepperdine University, MA Social Entrepreneurship and Change
English
Education
Sales and Client Management
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Being a self-starter and figuring out funding for school (working jobs, volunteering) built valuable skills.
2. Overcoming financial challenges during school strengthened work ethic and ability to navigate difficult conversations.
3. Positive career outlook despite past struggles; current happiness and rewarding career experiences outweigh past hardships.
Transcript
Anna, as someone who took out loans and required additional scholarships to get through school, how has that impacted the way you navigate your career?
That's a great question. I came from a family rich in love, experiences, and support, but not in money.
This meant I had to be a self-starter and figure out my funding and how to get through school. I worked and volunteered through school. If you count volunteering as a job, I was working full-time, plus volunteering, plus doing school. My focus was on needing a job to pay for textbooks and student loans for tuition.
I also needed volunteer work on my resume for my career. The jobs that paid enough to fund school and allow me to eat weren't in the industry I wanted to enter. It was an incredibly difficult time, frankly.
If you're experiencing this, you'll get through it and become a stronger person. It's a cliche, but it's true. My work is easier now because of those experiences. My work ethic is stronger, and I know how to approach difficult conversations with clients or supervisors.
I've seen others who had more resources struggle later in life because they had to figure things out on the fly. I think both paths are valuable and valid.
If you're not working your way through school, that's fantastic. But if you are, and you're worried about student loans, it will be okay. You'll find your way through it, build a great support system, and find good positions. You'll also find terrible ones, learn what you don't want, and move on.
It will make you stronger. You'll be a better person for having gone through it all. You get through it and reach a place where you're happy with your life.
I have an incredible family and incredible colleagues. People reach out from UCLA asking me to talk about my experiences. It's a wonderful, rewarding career. All of those experiences, the good and the bad, brought me to this point. They are all valid and valuable, and I'm glad I went through them to get where I am now.