Leveraging Strengths for Professional Success

Michael loves people and networking, so when Pathways to Financial Power appeared on his radar, he was excited to join.  

“I’m a business and accounting major, so I know the math side, but Pathways seemed like a chance to get into the Business World, network, and build my professional wardrobe. To be honest, I don’t have a lot of clothing that is appropriate for business. I wasn’t raised around that.” 

As a Native American, Michael spent his childhood living on a reservation before being placed with his sister in Stockton. “I wasn’t in a business environment and there were few business role models, you know?”  

Michael was paired with a Pathways coach in his field of interest. He also began attending Pathways workshops. “It was so in-depth, almost like a college class. They focused a lot on personal development and bettering yourself, which I feel is even more important.” 

Michael is learning how to leverage his strengths in his professional work. He learned that he is  disciplined and good at structuring daily tasks and routines. He found it fun and inspiring to set goals that were SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound).  

Over the summer, Michael landed his first professional internship at a wealth management firm in La Jolla. As Michael tells us, “Not only am I dressed for success, I’m using the skills gained at Pathways to Financial Power to be successful at a job that I love.”