My journey of discovery: from Mizzou to Microsoft

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Trulaske Magazine. 

Allison Holmes, B.J., B.S.B.A. ’19, reflects on her professional and personal journey from communications manager at Microsoft to MBA candidate at The Wharton School. 

It’s been over five years since I walked across the stage at the University of Missouri and received my diploma. In that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work at a leading global technology company, prioritize the wellness and balance that often eluded me during college and embark on a journey to discover what truly brings me joy.

Today, I’m pursuing a master’s in business administration at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, building on the skills I began developing at Mizzou. 

Earlier this year, I returned to Mizzou to speak with students in the BA3500 Advanced Professional Development class at the Trulaske College of Business. The college regularly brings in experienced and talented industry leaders – many of whom are alumni – to interact with students, giving them valuable insight into the world of business and providing them with a start to their professional networks.

This was my first time back on campus since graduation, and the experience prompted me to reflect deeply on my collegiate journey. My keynote, "The Discovery Paradigm: Thriving in the Unknown," allowed me to share the pivotal moments in my career so far and the lessons that have shaped who I am today.

Revisiting Mizzou felt like a reunion with those whose guidance was invaluable during my time as a student. Their consistent support played a significant role in my journey of self-discovery, the gentle nudges to slow down and the steps I took after graduation. I spoke about the university’s value of “discovery,” which resonated deeply with me then and still does now. It seemed only fitting to discuss discovery with students who are at the cusp of starting their professional journeys.

My journey at Mizzou began with a focus on broadcast journalism, specifically in radio and television reporting and anchoring. However, as I progressed through my coursework, participated in professional development programs and completed internships, my path began to shift. I ultimately graduated with degrees in journalism with an emphasis in strategic communication and business administration with an emphasis in management. This shift wasn’t just about changing majors — it was about navigating uncharted territory and allowing myself to evolve with my experiences.

Learning to embrace the unknown

After graduation, the world seemed to change overnight as the pandemic introduced an unprecedented level of uncertainty. Relocating to a new city marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where I had to craft a new version of myself while adapting to the full-time demands of working at a global technology company. These experiences, though challenging, were instrumental in my growth.

I knew that I would begin my career at Microsoft, but I had no idea what the next few years would bring or that I would eventually become the communications manager for the chairman and CEO of the company. From managers who became mentors to colleagues I connected with in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and the various roles that deepened my understanding of the industry, every step was an exercise in embracing the unknown. The pandemic may have disrupted many of my plans, but it also provided unexpected opportunities for growth and reinvention.

Finding your spark

Discovering your “spark” doesn’t require having all the answers before graduation. I’ve become comfortable with the idea that I will constantly be on a journey, growing and evolving as I’m exposed to different people, places and opportunities. College is the perfect time to explore different paths through coursework, internships and professional conferences. Eventually, you’ll find what resonates with you, and that’s when things start to click.

Avenues to find your spark:

• Internships, both on- and off-campus, were crucial in helping me gain real-world experience and understand various industries. 
• Class projects and client work offered hands-on opportunities to apply what I was learning in the classroom, allowing me to see what truly excited me. 
• Campus and community involvement, particularly in leadership roles, revealed strengths and interests I hadn’t known I had.

Stepping out of the “Mizzou Bubble” 

While the classroom laid the foundation, it was in stepping outside the university environment that I truly applied my knowledge. Whether through internships in other cities or attending professional development conferences or studying abroad, these experiences expanded my professional network and provided a broader worldview. 

Post-graduation, moving to a new city — Redmond, Washington — was never part of my initial plan during my freshman year, but it turned out to be the perfect environment for the growth I needed.

Finding your voice

As a student, I wasn’t always the most outspoken in class. I often hesitated, worried about being wrong or not clearly expressing my thoughts. This was something I knew I needed to work on as I started my career. Being a new employee in a company full of experienced professionals can be intimidating, but it’s important to trust that you know more than you think you do. It’s essential to lean in and share your ideas and opinions.

Looking back, I wish I had challenged myself more at Mizzou to not be afraid to speak up in class. The lesson I’ve learned: Get out of your head and practice using your voice — you have something valuable to say. As I reendter the classroom at Wharton, I am reminding myself of this daily. 

My journey to finding my voice in the workplace began when my manager had me present to our corporate vice president in my third week. It was proof of a great manager who provided growth opportunities! This experience helped me build confidence.

Outside of finding my voice in my core work, participating in ERGs proved to be a great training ground. These groups offer a safe space with people who share similar interests or backgrounds, where the stakes are lower because the work is typically driven by passion rather than being mandatory. At Microsoft, I connected with the Blacks at Microsoft ERG and got involved in various initiatives, including our summer mentorship program and regional chapter leadership.

Finding a balance between work and life

By the end of my time at Mizzou, I was running on empty. Juggling two degrees, campus leadership, internships, grad school applications and a social life meant that my sleep and personal time were often sacrificed. It became clear that this pace wouldn’t be sustainable in the long term and I needed to pivot to a healthier lifestyle as I entered the professional world.

My first manager at Microsoft introduced me to a game-changing weekly workflow structure during my internship, which I’ve continued to rely on. It involves setting weekly intentions, identifying potential distractions, defining three weekly goals and establishing daily priorities. Over the years, I’ve built on this foundation, creating a schedule that includes intentional focus time, and regular check-ins with my team, manager and skip-level as well as one-on-one networking.

Amid finding balance, I’ve found it helpful to have something to look forward to. I’ve carved out “Wellness Wednesdays” and “Seren Sundays” to intentionally rest and recharge. “Wellness Wednesdays” begin with working from home that day and taking the evening off to unwind and unplug. The mid-week break makes it easier to navigate the rest of the workweek. Additionally, I avoid working on weekends unless it’s critical. I’ve also tapped into workplace resources like therapy and career coaching, which have been invaluable in navigating challenges at work and improving my life.

The next five years

As I look ahead, I’m filled with optimism. I anticipate new life lessons and experiences that will not only enrich my life but also enable me to support the next generation of students and early-career professionals. 

Starting my journey as an MBA candidate at the Wharton School feels like a fresh start. I’m excited to be a student again and to figure out what matters most to me now. The next five years will bring new academic challenges and opportunities, including diving into a new career phase, celebrating a new decade of life and sharing the insights I gain along the way.