Bronco Spotlight: Shannon Kelly

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Bachelor of Arts, organizational communication, 2015

Client Services Coordinator at OsborneKlein

I generate documents, forms, applications for clients’ needs and schedule clients.  I organize and head the online BOX system to ensure our three offices are able to work virtually with all clients and I notarize documents for processing.  I also create and monitor business tracking to ensure all post meeting business activity is completed and ensure that business operations and records retention meet compliance requirements.

What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?

The most rewarding part of this job is all the people I get to meet and network with.  I have only been here for five months and already have connections and relationships with our clients, some of whom I have been to their retirement parties!  The most challenging part of my job is that finance is something I never have been good at nor learned.  I am continually in a learning process, which isn't all that bad, to understand what our business can fully do for our clients.

Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?

Being honest to a fault.  During my temp interview for this position, I told my now supervisor, that I have an OCD for cleanliness, I like things done in order, and I proudly love to critique grammar.  I even told her I almost didn't go to the interview because out of the 20 days they needed a temp, I would be MIA during six of those days.  She appreciated my honesty as not many people would have be so open.  Now I sit in the office as a permanent employee. What might seem like a negative thing to you, might end up being the selling point for your interviewer.  Set yourself apart, even if it is something like a grammar nitpick.

What advice do you have for students looking for their first career after college?

Apply for temporary jobs.  I started out as a temp and was offered full time.  Many companies are now hiring solely from temp agencies because they are able to try you out and see if you are even going to be a good fit. Step outside your major.  Finance is nowhere near anything I studied at Western for my major, but I am willing to learn because not only will continuous learning help my current job, it will also bulk up my resume if I ever switch jobs. Go for jobs that do not fit your major because you will end up liking not having to fit in a little box.

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