Elevating Careers: The Impact of Mentorship - Katey's Story
From day one, Katey S. felt supported and mentored at Enterprise Mobility. She began her career with the organization as a Management Trainee referral in East Tennessee. The interview process immediately sparked her passion for talent acquisition and transforming lives through new career opportunities. With dedication and hard work, Katey transitioned from a Management Trainee to a Branch Manager in a few years, successfully leading two branch locations. After three years of exceptional performance, she seized the opportunity to become a Talent Acquisition Specialist, a role she knew she wanted from her first interview. Now, Katey eagerly connects with individuals nationwide, sharing the incredible career opportunities available at Enterprise Mobility. Meet Katey S., Talent Acquisition Specialist at Enterprise Mobility! Discover how mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping Katey's career journey. From navigating career worries to embracing personal growth through resilience and valuable advice, Katey shares insights on how mentorship has been a transformative force in her professional development. Read on to learn more about Katey's mentorship experiences and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. How has mentorship helped you grow in your career? Having mentors has helped me step into rooms that I could only dream of entering. Mentors have guided me through the discomfort I sometimes feel and helped me appreciate what it takes to step out of my comfort zone in order to grow in my career. Before having a mentor – What was your biggest career worry? How did your mentor help you overcome that? When I reached a certain point in my career, I began to worry about not knowing my next step. I felt like I was in a fog and struggled to find the path that best suited me. Being diagnosed with MS and having a disability, I was thankful to have my mentor and support system say, “Hey, it’s ok. We’re here for you. Tell us what you need.” It was honestly career-changing. Whether you have a disability or not, it is important to communicate your needs to your mentor. Many people will not know what you’re going through. Communicate your barriers and your concerns while reiterating your strengths because you know how amazing you are. Let them see that too! What’s one piece of advice your mentor gave you that completely changed your perspective? One piece of advice I’ve received is that it’s ok to be more than one thing when you grow up! We’re sometimes taught that upwards mobility in one career field or a certain career path is the only option – I completely disagree! I think being open to lattice or lateral career moves by looking at departments you support, feel passionate about, or have learned about can definitely take you places! No education or experience is ever wasted. Be proud of your experience, your culture, and yourself. With that level of confidence, you will find many more career options. What is something unexpected that you learned from your mentor? My mentor taught me to keep learning from my mistakes. We’re human, and mistakes can happen. Having humor, a good attitude, and making a point to show up can really take you a long way! Turn negatives into positives and differentiate yourself from other team members. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about resilience? Through my personal experiences, I learned how bouncing back when you feel defeated or showing up during those times when your confidence is low are important factors that lead to growth in your career. When you fall, be sure to stand right back up. If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be? I would tell myself to keep going through each hurdle, obstacle, or frustration and don't stop. Don’t give up. Know your resources, know your support system, and bask in the pride of knowing you’re growing every day.