How Identity Has Influenced An Operations Growth And Strategy Manager At Happy Returns By PayPal's Career
Early in the career, identity was less of a factor in job selection; however, as the career progressed, a heightened awareness of a company's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion became crucial, including reviewing "employee resource groups, demographic breakdowns, volunteer work, and public statements." The professional also noted the importance of feeling comfortable speaking up and sharing opinions, finding a company that allowed for this to occur without feeling "silenced."
Diversity and Inclusion, Career Advancement, Equity, Workplace Culture, Interview Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Makai Cartman
Operations Growth & Strategy Manager
Happy Returns by PayPal
MIT 2015
UCLA Anderson MBA
Engineering - Mechanical
Technology, Transit, Transportation, Warehousing & Storage
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Consider a company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
2. Research employee resource groups (ERGs) and the company's public statements on social issues.
3. Find a workplace where you feel comfortable expressing your opinions and are not silenced.
Transcript
As a Black male, how has your identity impacted the way you navigate your career?
Early on, I probably thought about it a little, but I didn't feel like I was in a position to make decisions based on specific reasons. When you're getting out of undergrad and looking for a job, you might not have many opportunities.
Sometimes, you just have to go with what you can get. So, I guess I didn't think about it too much back then.
As I've gotten further into my career, I've started thinking more about how companies and organizations approach equity, diversity, and inclusion. These principles are important to me, both in how they treat their customers and their employees.
During the interview process, I try to understand what employee resource groups might be available. I also look at company stats regarding demographic and gender breakdowns.
I consider if the organization does any volunteer work or gives back to charities. I also look at any public statements they've made about current events.
For example, after the George Floyd murder in 2020, many companies made statements. I have a heightened awareness of these types of issues now.
This is something important I consider as I move through my career and will continue to think about. When I first started, identifying as a Black male, I wasn't always comfortable being the only Black person in a room.
It took some time to get used to speaking up because of my identity. But as I've become more comfortable, it's helped me in my career. I can speak my mind, share my opinions, and ensure I'm at a company that allows me to do so without feeling silenced.