b'ALUMNI & FRIENDSToday, Im pursuing a masters in business adminis- colleagues I connected with in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs),passion rather than being mandatory. At Microsoft, I connected tration at The Wharton School of the University ofand the various roles that deepened my understanding of thewith the Blacks at Microsoft ERG and got involved in various initia-Pennsylvania, building on the skills I began devel- industry, every step was an exercise in embracing the unknown.tives, including our summer mentorship program and regional oping at Mizzou.The pandemic may have disrupted many of my plans, but it alsochapter leadership.Earlier this year, I returned to Mizzou to speak withprovided unexpected opportunities for growth and reinvention. Finding a balance between work and lifestudents in the BA3500 Advanced ProfessionalFinding your spark By the end of my time at Mizzou, I was running on empty. Juggling Development class at the Trulaske College of Busi- Discovering your spark doesnt require having all the answerstwo degrees, campus leadership, internships, grad school appli-ness. The college regularly brings in experiencedbefore graduation. Ive become comfortable with the idea that I willcations and a social life meant that my sleep and personal time and talented industry leadersmany of whom areconstantly be on a journey, growing and evolving as Im exposed towere often sacrificed. It became clear that this pace wouldnt be alumnito interact with students, giving them valu- different people, places and opportunities. College is the perfectsustainable in the long term and I needed to pivot to a healthier able insight into the world of business and providingtime to explore different paths through coursework, internshipslifestyle as I entered the professional world.them with a start to their professional networks. and professional conferences. Eventually, youll find what resonates This was my first time back on campus since grad- with you, and thats when things start to click. Looking back, I wish I had challenged myself uation, and the experience prompted me to reflectAvenues to find your spark: more at Mizzou to not be afraid to speak up in deeply on my collegiate journey. My keynote, The Discovery Paradigm: Thriving in the Unknown,Internships, both on- and off-campus, were crucial in helpingclass. The lesson Ive learned: Get out of your allowed me to share the pivotal moments in myme gain real-world experience and understand various industries.head and practice using your voiceyou career so far and the lessons that have shaped whoClass projects and client work offered hands-on opportunitieshave something valuable to say. As I reenter I am today. to apply what I was learning in the classroom, allowing me to seethe classroom at Wharton, I am reminding Revisiting Mizzou felt like a reunion with those whosewhat truly excited me.myself of this daily.guidance was invaluable during my time as a student.Campus and community involvement, particularly in leadership Their consistent support played a significant role inroles, revealed strengths and interests I hadnt known I had. Allison Holmes my journey of self-discovery, the gentle nudges toStepping out of the Mizzou Bubble slow down and the steps I took after graduation.My first manager at Microsoft introduced me to a game-changing I spoke about the universitys value of discovery,While the classroom laid the foundation, it was in stepping outsideweekly workflow structure during my internship, which Ive which resonated deeply with me then and still doesthe university environment that I truly applied my knowledge.continued to rely on. It involves setting weekly intentions, iden-now. It seemed only fitting to discuss discovery withWhether through internships in other cities or attending profes- tifying potential distractions, defining three weekly goals and students who are at the cusp of starting their profes- sional development conferences or studying abroad, these experi- establishing daily priorities. Over the years, Ive built on this foun-sional journeys. ences expanded my professional network and provided a broaderdation, creating a schedule that includes intentional focus time, My journey at Mizzou began with a focus on broad- worldview.and regular check-ins with my team, manager and skip-level as cast journalism, specifically in radio and televisionPost-graduation, moving to a new cityRedmond, Washingtonwell as one-on-one networking.My Journey of Discovery: reporting and anchoring. However, as I progressed was never part of my initial plan during my freshman year, but itAmid finding balance, Ive found it helpful to have something to look FROM MIZZOUthrough my coursework, participated in professionalturned out to be the perfect environment for the growth I needed. forward to. Ive carved out Wellness Wednesdays and Serene development programs and completed internships,Finding your voice Sundays to intentionally rest and recharge. Wellness Wednes-my path began to shift. I ultimately graduated withdays begin with working from home that day and taking the degrees in journalism with an emphasis in strategicAs a student, I wasnt always the most outspoken in class. I oftenevening off to unwind and unplug. The mid-week break makes it TO MICROSOFT communication and business administration withhesitated, worried about being wrong or not clearly expressingeasier to navigate the rest of the workweek. Additionally, I avoid an emphasis in management. This shift wasnt justmy thoughts. This was something I knew I needed to work on asworking on weekends unless its critical. Ive also tapped into work-about changing majorsit was about navigatingI started my career. Being a new employee in a company full ofplace resources like therapy and career coaching, which have been uncharted territory and allowing myself to evolveexperienced professionals can be intimidating, but its importantinvaluable in navigating challenges at work and improving my life.with my experiences. to trust that you know more than you think you do. Its essentialThe next five yearsAllisonHolmes,B.J.,B.S.B.A.19,reflectsonherLearning to embrace the unknown to lean in and share your ideas and opinions. As I look ahead, Im filled with optimism. I anticipate new life lessons Looking back, I wish I had challenged myself more at Mizzou to professional and personal journey from communica- After graduation, the world seemed to change over- not be afraid to speak up in class. The lesson Ive learned: Get outand experiences that will not only enrich my life but also enable tions manager at Microsoft to MBA candidate at Thenight as the pandemic introduced an unprecedentedof your head and practice using your voiceyou have some- me to support the next generation of students and early-career Wharton School.level of uncertainty. Relocating to a new city markedthing valuable to say. As I reenter the classroom at Wharton, I amprofessionals. Its been over five years since I walked across thethe beginning of a new chapter, one where I had toreminding myself of this daily.Starting my journey as an MBA candidate at the Wharton School stage at the University of Missouri and received mycraft a new version of myself while adapting to thefeels like a fresh start. Im excited to be a student again and to figure full-time demands of working at a global technologyMy journey to finding my voice in the workplace began when my diploma. In that time, Ive had the opportunity to workcompany. These experiences, though challenging,manager had me present to our corporate vice president in myout what matters most to me now. The next five years will bring at a leading global technology company, prioritizewere instrumental in my growth. third week. It was proof of a great manager who provided growthnew academic challenges and opportunities, including diving into the wellness and balance that often eluded me duringopportunities! This experience helped me build confidence. a new career phase, celebrating a new decade of life and sharing college and embark on a journey to discover whatI knew that I would begin my career at Microsoft, butthe insights I gain along the way.truly brings me joy. I had no idea what the next few years would bringOutside of finding my voice in my core work, participating in ERGs or that I would eventually become the communi- proved to be a great training ground. These groups offer a safe cations manager for the chairman and CEO of thespace with people who share similar interests or backgrounds, company. From managers who became mentors towhere the stakes are lower because the work is typically driven by 36 | TRULASKE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS TRULASKE MAGAZINE 2024| 37'