Career Roadmap
Matthew's work combines: Business, Numbers, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Archbishop Rummel
Bachelor's Degree
Physiology
University of New Orleans
Graduate Degree
Master of Business Administration
Louisiana State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Financial Risk Specialists:
Bachelor's Degree: Physiology
Graduate Degree: Master of Business Administration
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
High school - My parents sacrificed to send me to a private Catholic high school. They also asked me to participate in the financial contributions of the tuition. I became invested in my education.
2.
I chose to attend the University of New Orleans after transferring my sophomore year. A natural disaster struck shortly thereafter and the road became very complicated.
3.
It was always a lifelong goal to receive a diploma from Louisiana State University. I left my family and a good career path to attend graduate school in Baton Rouge.
4.
I left the healthcare industry during my studies in graduate school and worked for a wine retail store while I attended class in the evening. I knew I would make another career change upon graduating.
5.
I graduated in 2010 in a difficult job market. I wasn't turning down any interviews. I took a chance on an interview with Travelers and I met some of the most important people in my career and life.
6.
In April 2017, I achieved a promotion to my current role and asked my best friend to marry me. I had the job I worked so hard for as well as the partner to be by my side.
7.
In December 2017, I lost my father unexpectedly. The man who sacrificed so much for me was taken too soon. Each day now seems more precious with this a new perspective on life.
8.
My first manager at Travelers retired March 30, 2018. She is a great mentor and a great friend. My career wouldn't be the same without her.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
You will find little satisfaction in the world of insurance. You will have to sell insurance policies to your friends and do plenty of cold-calling. Compensation is all commission-based and companies are only worried about exploiting you for quick sales.
How I responded:
The world of insurance is so vast and diverse there is no way to do the industry justice with a brief description. There are opportunities and roles for people with many different interests, goals, ideals and skills. Not only can one find satisfaction in his/her job, but also a sense of reward and accomplishment. I feel of value to my organization as well as my community.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My family made sacrifices to provide an education and early on I was asked to participate in the financial contributions. It was difficult.
Hurricane Katrina brought devastation and hurdles for the city of New Orleans and the university I attended at the time. The obstacles were tremendous and the goal of graduating felt like my way of helping the city. Rebuilding my life and achieving.