Career Path of a Financial Management Training Director at a Federal Agency
Rachel's career path began with a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and a minor in technical writing from Iowa State University, followed by administrative work at the United States Postal Service where they pursued "detail opportunities" and adjunct teaching at Drake University while earning a master's degree. This led to a federal career at the Department of Veterans Affairs, culminating in a high-level national director role for financial management, demonstrating a proactive approach of "exploring every avenue" and seizing opportunities.
Communication, Career Development, Federal Government, Higher Education, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rachel Larson
OFM Training Director
Federal Agency
Iowa State University
Medical, Sciences & Related
Government & Public Sector
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Rachel pursued a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication with a minor in technical writing, focusing on critical thinking and writing skills.
2. She transitioned from the United States Postal Service to the Department of Veterans Affairs, taking advantage of detail opportunities and adjunct teaching positions to gain experience and advance her career.
3. Her career progression highlights the importance of setting goals, pursuing opportunities, and being open to transitions between agencies and roles to achieve career progression.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path? Please start with your experiences in college, any internships, or jobs you had before your current role.
Thank you for the question. In college, I attended Iowa State University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a minor in English, specifically technical writing.
At the time, I didn't take any courses in government. I really focused heavily on critical thinking and my writing skills, as well as speech communications.
From that undergraduate degree, I entered the workforce and took a position administratively with the United States Postal Service. From there, I took on different detail opportunities, which are short-term stints learning about other roles within that agency.
I also started taking classes at Drake University. My coursework at Drake led to an opportunity to become an adjunct instructor there. So, as I was pursuing my master's degree, I became a Speech Communication adjunct instructor and taught undergraduates, which was a very rewarding opportunity.
Looking back on that journey, the important thing is to keep your mind on your goals, both educational and professional. I had definite goals in those arenas and then pursued opportunities at every corner.
After that, my profession with federal agency work brought me to the Department of Veterans Affairs. I made a transition from one federal agency to another. I also moved to the Chicagoland area from the area in Iowa where I had previously lived.
My journey has been one of exploring every avenue, asking questions, and making leaps from one agency to another. Every time, I looked at the opportunities available.
I am now a director for financial management at a very high national level within the Department of Veterans Affairs. I enjoy every day. Thanks for the question.
Advizer Personal Links
Wyatt Carney has my LinkedIn information.