Guest Post!
From Corporate to Campus: A Journey to Higher Ed, by Monique Sample
Ask any higher ed professional - and they are likely to tell you that they fell into higher ed. Like many others, I too fell into higher ed as a worthwhile profession and I have met many great colleagues - such as our guest writer today.
Meet Monique (Mo) Sample. In her words…
2008 was one of many times my world was turned upside down. I found myself at a crossroads. I had just been laid off from my position at Circuit City Stores corporate offices during the first wave of layoffs that would ultimately lead to the company's bankruptcy and closure in the United States. The initial shock and disappointment were overwhelming, but in that moment of uncertainty, I found clarity. It became evident that the corporate life I had been leading was not fulfilling. I’ve simplified this for the sake of a short, great story, however, this was over the course of weeks that I came to this realization.
“It became evident that the corporate life I had been leading was not fulfilling”
While I cherished the relationships I had built with my colleagues, the nature of my work demanded long hours, late nights, and time away from my family and friends and little to no work/life balance (yes, work/life balance can exist). As a Black woman in the corporate sphere, I faced constant microaggressions, sexist remarks, and assumptions about my work ethic. More often than not, white male leaders would take credit for my work and intentionally have meetings without me, leaving me out of crucial conversations that impacted my work.
Have you ever felt isolated or undervalued in your professional life? What are the feelings you get when this happens or has happened to you? The experience of navigating the corporate environment as a minority in a predominately white, male dominated environment was challenging for me. For many first-generation college graduates, the transition into the working world can feel isolating and confusing. Without mentors or a network to guide, support and uplift them, it is easy to feel lost and unsupported. This was my reality, and it is often the reality of many others who share similar backgrounds.
In the midst of this sudden upheaval, I asked myself a series of life-altering questions: If money, fear of failure, and societal expectations were no longer concerns, what would I do? Who would I be? Where would I live? While relocating wasn’t an immediate option, I realized I could tackle
the other two questions head-on. This period of reflection led me to reconsider my career path to something I enjoyed while I was a student in college. It led me to a path I had not considered before—higher education.
Recognizing the struggles I faced in the corporate world is what propelled me to transition into higher education. I fell back on my own college experience, the people who were there and the many faces on campus that made an impact and the missing faces that could have made a greater difference. I enjoyed working with my own peers and supporting them to reach their goals; why couldn’t I shift this into a new career for myself? My goal became clear: I wanted to equip students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, with the tools and support they need to thrive in their lives and ultimately their careers. Don’t get me wrong, it would take some experiences, trial and error and many years in higher ed before I got to this point. Everything I did, all the work I did with students and the various interactions all had an underlying goal, to be the person for the students I worked with (and continue to work with) that I needed when I was in college.
Working with students from diverse backgrounds has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Each one brings their unique perspectives, life challenges, strengths, aspirations and I see something great in each of them. By understanding and attempting to address their individual needs, my goal is to help them navigate the complexities of this world, especially the working world. It's not just about imparting knowledge; it's about building self efficacy, confidence, resilience, a sense of belonging and the ability to walk into spaces knowing they belong and advocate for themselves and others.
Another one of my objectives is to shift the narrative in the workplace. For too long, working environments have operated under the misconception that a people-first mindset is incompatible with strong and successful business outcomes. For many, it’s one or the other. However, my experiences and those of many others have shown that when employees feel valued, respected, and supported, they are more committed and productive. A workplace that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters innovation and loyalty.
The transition from corporate to higher education was not just a career change for me; it was a calling. It allowed me to transform my past difficulties into a passion for mentoring and supporting the next generation of professionals. By sharing my experiences and providing guidance, I hope to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all. This journey has reaffirmed my belief that when we invest in people first, we are investing in a brighter, innovative and more prosperous future for everyone. It may seem very Utopian, but is it too far-fetched?
“In higher education, I found my purpose.”
In higher education, I found my purpose. I now advise students, helping them navigate the complexities of the working world. I educate employers on the importance of diversity and inclusion, advocating for environments where all voices are heard and valued. My work aims to ensure that students do not face the same isolation and challenges I did. I want them, and you, to find places where we all feel we belong, feel comfortable being ourselves, feel valued and respected and surrounded by support and in an environment that is affirming and uplifting. Maybe you’re already there, maybe you’re not. If you’re not, I’ll ask you the same life altering questions I asked myself and challenge my students with: If money, fear of failure, and societal expectations were no longer concerns or factors, what would you do? Who would you be? Where would you live?
Like what you read? Connect with Mo here