How Identity Has Influenced A Supply Chain And Operations Manager At A Big 4 Firm's Career
Renee's career journey, starting in mechanical engineering and continuing into Big 4 consulting, highlights a consistent approach: pursuing passions despite underrepresentation. The professional actively sought mentorship and sponsorship from both similar and dissimilar individuals, emphasizing the importance of paying it forward and believing that "that's what I want to do," irrespective of perceived barriers.
Overcoming Challenges, Mentorship, Networking, Career Development, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Renee Williams
Manager, Supply Chain & Operations
Big 4 Consulting Firm
University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago.
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey - MBA Supply Chain Management; MS Business Analytics
Engineering - Mechanical
Consulting & Related Professional Services
Consulting
International Student, Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Renee pursued her passion for engineering despite being a minority in the field, encouraging others to overcome perceived career barriers.
2. She actively sought mentorship from both those who shared and did not share her identity, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives.
3. Renee emphasizes the importance of paying mentorship forward, actively seeking opportunities to support others in their career journeys.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a Black woman, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
Coming into consulting, I am definitely in the minority in my field. However, that was not different than when I entered my original career path, which started in mechanical engineering.
One of the questions I was asked going into my previous role was, "Why engineering? Why not a different field?" My answer then and my answer now is that that's what I want to do. It's what I'm genuinely interested in and what I'm passionate about.
I've never allowed that to be a barrier in choosing the career path I want to pursue. I would encourage anyone else who has any kind of marker or identity that you believe is a barrier for entry to be willing to step outside of those bonds. As long as you're qualified and capable, definitely go for it.
As I've navigated my career in consulting, one of the things I've done is to mentor and be mentored. I've actively sought sponsors and advisors, both who look like me and don't. There are allies who are absolutely willing to support you, coach you, and advise you as you grow. It's always good to pay it forward, so I've also actively sought opportunities to do so for others.