Career Path of Carolyn Gibbons
Senior Vice President of Human Resources
Carolyn Gibbons is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Varian Insurance, a company with approximately 260 employees and in revenue. The company helps customers find the best insurance options by working with multiple carriers, providing both personal and commercial insurance.
Education and Early Career
Carolyn graduated from college with a degree in psychology and communications, along with a minor in English. She earned a master's degree in industrial organization while working in admissions at Fairfield University in Connecticut. Her responsibilities included interviewing students, making admission decisions, and visiting high schools.
Transition to Stay-at-Home Mom
After getting married, Carolyn worked as an HR assistant at Arthur Andersen, an accounting firm. She left this position to stay home with her children (Sarah, Danielle, and Sean), a decision she felt fortunate to make. During her time at home, she assisted students with college essays and admissions, leveraging her previous experience. This led to recruiting work, which gradually expanded.
Motivations for Returning to Work
Carolyn's primary motivation for staying home was her belief that it was best for her children. However, she eventually felt a need for personal fulfillment and career involvement. She realized that her own happiness was essential for the well-being of her family. This realization prompted her return to the workforce.
Challenges in Transition
The most significant challenge was relinquishing control and trusting that her children would be fine. There was also a false perception, influenced by family history, that staying home was the only way to be a good mother. Carolyn had to reconcile her career aspirations with her role as a mother, understanding that both could coexist.
Skill Updates and Employer Perceptions
Carolyn was initially concerned about outdated skills, such as using an Outlook calendar, but quickly adapted. She emphasized that while specific skills can be taught, dedication, commitment, and hard work are more critical qualities in an employee. Employers may have concerns about career gaps, but these can be mitigated through networking and highlighting relevant skills gained from managing a household.
Networking and Connections
Carolyn's return to work was facilitated by connections through her husband (a labor and employment attorney) and her previous admissions work. She emphasizes the importance of networking with friends, teachers, and acquaintances to find job opportunities. She views women returning to work as an untapped workforce with valuable skills in management and multitasking.
Skills Gained as a Stay-at-Home Mom
Carolyn believes her time as a stay-at-home mom equipped her with valuable skills, including multitasking, understanding context clues, managing finances, and organization. These skills have translated into her professional life, making her a more effective employee.
Support System
Having a strong support system was crucial for Carolyn’s transition. This included friends who helped with childcare and homework, as well as a supportive spouse who shared household responsibilities.
Career Advancement
Carolyn advises young professionals to prioritize hard work and dedication over the initial job title or salary. She believes that putting in the effort and volunteering for additional responsibilities will lead to recognition and advancement within a company. She started at a lower level in her current company and was promoted into her current role.
Stereotypes and Biases
Carolyn acknowledges that biases still exist in the workplace, such as the assumption that women should take notes in meetings. She also notes there is still some bias about whether women can manage work and family, but it is clear that it can be done despite not being easy.
Key Decisions
Carolyn identifies the decision to return to work as a pivotal moment in her career. Overcoming self-doubt and believing in her abilities were crucial for her success. She initially questioned whether she was qualified for her position, but eventually gained confidence in her skills and deservedness.
Advice for Stay-at-Home Moms
Carolyn emphasizes that the decision to return to work is a personal one. She advises women to have faith that their children will thrive if they are fulfilled. She encourages women to pursue their career goals if they desire personal growth and happiness, as a happy mother is better for her kids.
Work-Life Balance
Carolyn admits that she is not very good at work-life balance, and says stress is part of life. She handles stress by keeping things in perspective, focusing on the present, and remembering that difficult times are temporary. She acknowledges life is a mix of ordinary days, with some being good and some bad.
Advice for Graduates
Carolyn advises graduating seniors not to stress about finding a job immediately. She emphasizes the importance of confidence, networking, and persistence. She encourages students to seek informational interviews, build connections, and be their own best advocates. Rejection should be viewed as the company’s loss, and the right opportunity will eventually come along.