Tag: writing

Closing the Chapter on My First Job Post-College: Reflections on My Time at Turnberry

Closing the Chapter on My First Job Post-College: Reflections on My Time at Turnberry

by Gifted With Grace ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

In September 2021, I was a college senior at CSB/SJU, nervous but excited to accept my first full-time job with ThreeBridge Solutions, set to begin after graduation in June 2022. Somewhere between then and my first day, the company rebranded to Turnberry Solutions—which would become the company I’d call home for the next three years.

Now, a little over three years later, I’m closing this chapter—and what a chapter it has been.

From Bootcamp to Business Impact

I joined Turnberry Crew, an innovative talent program focused on developing high-performing junior consultants in the early years of their consulting careers. I didn’t fully grasp what IT consulting meant during our onboarding bootcamp—and, thankfully, neither did the girl next to me (who quickly became a great friend). We figured it out as we went, supported by a strong foundation of resources, encouragement, and a shared drive to grow.

What I Appreciated About Crew

Crew gave me room to explore and grow. I appreciated:

  • Training and development that made consulting feel less intimidating
  • The knowledge that roles were temporary, and change was part of the experience
  • Unlimited PTO (yes, I took advantage of it!)
  • Supportive managers and engaged client directors
  • Crew Happy Hours, Coffee Roulettes, and First Fridays that built connection beyond the work
  • The opportunity to contribute at big corporations, while still feeling part of a small, tight-knit crew

What Was Hard About Crew

Not everything came easy, and consulting stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. I had to navigate:

  • The uncertainty of “what’s next” between projects (thankfully, I never had a gap)
  • Frequent client on- and offboarding
  • Balancing two sets of expectations—from the client and from Turnberry
  • Utilization targets and the stress they can bring
  • Interviewing for new roles once contract was coming to an end
  • Learning how to build credibility quickly, only to start over again somewhere new

And still, every challenge brought growth.

My Client Journey

Over three years, I had the opportunity to work on three client projects:

Wells Fargo

At Wells Fargo, I crafted and distributed a biweekly newsletter to over 3,000 people—my first real taste of internal communications at scale. What started as writing evolved into so much more:

  • Planning and executing a virtual conference with over 4,000 attendees
  • Launching communications as a shared service across teams
  • Supporting video production, SharePoint migration, and process documentation
  • Becoming the calm presence my team could rely on—someone they were “happy to have at Wells”

Allianz Technology

At Allianz, I supported the Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) function, completing over 2,000 outsourcing assessments. This project taught me the power of clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and leading with influence, even when business owners weren’t eager to comply.
Some highlights:

  • Closed three major audit findings with a quick turnaround time
  • Helped segment over 250 vendor engagements
  • Gained CEO approval on a business case for tool adoption and co-led implementation
  • Took the lead on tracking and reporting for critical initiatives

GeoBlue

Most recently, I joined GeoBlue to support their marketing operations during a rebrand. I managed tactical projects, coordinated with vendors, optimized automation tools, and helped streamline campaign workflows. This role gave me a closer look at marketing tech and systems thinking—two areas I now want to continue growing in.

Beyond the Projects: What Made the Difference

Some of my most meaningful memories and growth moments came from what happened outside the day-to-day tasks:

  • Joining the Well & Able Executive Board as Communications & Marketing Chair—and later as Co-Champion—promoting wellness and fostering connection across Turnberry
  • Participating in over 15 training sessions and enrolling in additional leadership development through the Crew Leadership Academy
  • Attending First Fridays, Crew Bootcamp, social hours, and building friendships that stretched across projects and cities
  • Being trusted by managers to take initiative, lead meetings, and bring clarity to chaos

What I Learned

I’ve learned:

  • To navigate ambiguity with grace—pun fully intended
  • That being detail-oriented and thoughtful is a superpower
  • How to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels
  • That consulting is about people first—relationships, trust, and responsiveness
  • To trust myself, speak up, and stretch outside my comfort zone

The People Who Shaped This Chapter

To the people who made this experience unforgettable—thank you. 

It really is about who you work with. The teammates who become friends, the managers who mentor you, the clients who trust you, the peers who cheer you on—all of it makes a difference. This chapter was richer, more meaningful, and more enjoyable because of the people I had the chance to work alongside.

What I’m Taking With Me

Personally:

  • Confidence in who I am and how I work
  • A clearer sense of what I want in my career (and what I don’t)
  • Lifelong friendships and a deeper connection to the professional world

Professionally:

  • Real-world experience managing projects, building communication strategies, and supporting complex organizational change
  • A portfolio of work experience and lasting results I’m proud of
  • Skills that will carry me into whatever’s next—project coordination, stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and more

Looking Ahead

As I close this chapter, I leave with gratitude, growth, and excitement for what’s next. This role held me through so much life—many trips, moves, growth, hard days, and big wins. It was never perfect, but it was mine—and it shaped me.

To anyone stepping into their first post-grad job: it doesn’t have to be your dream job to be meaningful. Every meeting, every project, every new challenge—there’s something in it for you. If you’re lucky, you’ll leave knowing more about yourself, your values, and your direction.

Here’s to the next chapter.

With gratitude,

Grace

Closing the Doors on the Job That Held Me Through So Much Life

Closing the Doors on the Job That Held Me Through So Much Life

by Gifted With Grace ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A little over two years ago, I walked through the doors at Allianz thinking I was just signing on to help with a three-month data cleanup project. I had no idea I was stepping into two of the most transformative years of my life.

What started as a short-term contract quickly turned into so much more. More learning, more growth, more life than I ever expected to live while working on a project in Third Party Risk Management.

In my two years here, I:

  • Worked under three different managers, each with their own leadership style and lessons
  • Supported legal, risk, and compliance initiatives across the business
  • Completed over 2,000 third-party risk management assessments with internal stakeholders
  • On- and off-boarded multiple colleagues
  • Navigated mostly remote work while still building real relationships
  • Took on new responsibilities, earned two raises, and was promoted once
  • Learned to work with all kinds of personalities — and grew stronger because of it

But what made this experience unforgettable wasn’t just the work. It was everything that happened outside of it, too.

The Life I Lived While Working This Job

These past two years held some of my biggest personal milestones and growing pains. While working full-time, I also:

  • Moved out of my parents’ house
  • Got my first apartment with a partner
  • Went through a life-changing breakup
  • Moved into my own place — this time, solo
  • Took on multiple leadership roles outside of work
  • Spoke on three professional panels
  • Went on ten trips
  • Started dog sitting (seriously, so many dogs)
  • Made so many new friends — both through work and beyond
  • Rediscovered my love for yoga
  • Supported my sister as she graduated from high school
  • Cried and smiled more times than I can count
  • Went to ten concerts
  • Dated… a lot
  • Showed up for early mornings, late nights, and everything in between

These walls — virtual and physical — held me through it all. This role became a container for my growth, in ways that went far beyond my job description.

The People Who Made It What It Was

I’ll never forget the emergency “calls” and “meetings” that doubled as therapy sessions, the weekly help desk calls that became running jokes, or the long happy hours that turned colleagues into friends.

To the Turnberry–Allianz crew: You turned work into community. Thank you for showing up for each other the way we did.

To my manager: Thank you for being the most supportive boss I’ve ever had. Your example of grace, strength, and leadership is one I’ll carry with me. I truly aspire to be like you.

To the ever-growing circle of work friends: You’re more than coworkers. You’re lifelong people. I’m so glad our paths crossed here.

And to Allianz: Thank you for giving me space to grow — professionally, emotionally, and personally.

A Full-Circle Moment

I’ll always remember interviewing for this job while I was up north at the cabin. Thank gawd I packed a collared linen shirt, found a curling iron, and threw on some makeup… because it led me here.

Thank You to the Past Two Years

Thank you for:

  • The best group of work friends I’ve had to date
  • Mentorship opportunities that shaped me
  • Countless new connections
  • A chance to learn, lead, and fail safely
  • Teaching me how to navigate challenging conversations and personalities
  • Encouraging me to step up — and step out
  • Letting me be a human, not just a headcount

So much life has happened in the past two years. I’m beyond grateful to my client and employer for being part of the backdrop of that chapter.

Now, it’s time for what’s next and I can’t wait! ❤

Navigating the Feeling of Directionlessness in Your Twenties

Navigating the Feeling of Directionlessness in Your Twenties

by Gifted With Grace ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Your twenties are often described as a time to explore, grow, and find your footing in the world. But what happens when you feel like you’re stuck, unsure of your next step, or completely directionless? If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s incredibly common, and here’s why that’s okay—and what you can do about it.

Why Feeling Directionless in Your Twenties is Normal

1. Societal Pressure

There’s often an unspoken expectation to have everything figured out: your career, relationships, finances, and future. But life rarely follows a straight path, and societal pressures can make you feel like you’re falling behind when you’re actually right on track for your unique journey.

2. Big Life Transitions

Your twenties are filled with major changes, like moving out, starting a job, ending a relationship, or even switching careers. These shifts can feel overwhelming and leave you questioning your direction.

3. The Exploration Phase

This decade is meant to be about trial and error. It’s a time to test the waters, figure out what resonates with you, and pivot when something doesn’t feel right.

4. Comparison Culture

Social media often exacerbates feelings of inadequacy. Seeing curated versions of others’ lives can make you feel like you’re the only one struggling. Remember: everyone’s journey is different, and the highlight reels don’t tell the full story.

Reframing the Experience

Instead of seeing directionlessness as a problem, consider it an opportunity. This period is about exploration, self-discovery, and growth. Clarity often comes through action, even if it feels uncertain at first. Trust that you’re learning, even when the path feels unclear.

Practical Steps to Navigate Feeling Directionless

1. Reconnect with Yourself

  • Reflect on what brings you joy or curiosity. Journaling, meditation, or simply spending time in nature can help you tune into your inner voice.
  • Ask yourself: What excites me? What values matter most to me?

2. Explore Without Commitment

  • Try new hobbies, take courses, or volunteer. Exposure to different activities and people can spark unexpected passions.
  • Remember, exploration isn’t about finding the perfect answer; it’s about learning what works and what doesn’t.

3. Set Small, Flexible Goals

  • Break big dreams into manageable steps. For example, “Attend one networking event this month” or “Read a book about a field I’m curious about.”
  • Allow yourself to pivot as you gain more clarity.

4. Build Skills

  • Pursue certifications, online courses, or projects that align with your interests. Even if you’re unsure of your final destination, building skills will always serve you.

5. Seek Support

  • Talk to mentors, coaches, or peers who can provide guidance and perspective. Sometimes an outside view can help you see possibilities you’ve overlooked.

6. Practice Self-Care

  • Take care of your mental and physical health. This is the foundation for navigating uncertainty with resilience.

Journal Prompts to Guide Reflection

  1. What’s one thing I’ve always wanted to try but never had the courage to?
  2. How would I define a meaningful life right now?
  3. What are my top three core values, and how can I align my actions with them?

Words of Encouragement

If you’re unsure what to pursue in life right now, consider this: Pursue yourself. Focus on becoming the healthiest, happiest, most present, and most confident version of who you are. When you take the time to nurture yourself, the right path will often reveal itself naturally.

Your twenties are about figuring things out, not having everything figured out. Feeling directionless isn’t a failure; it’s a part of the process. Trust yourself, take small steps forward, and remember—you’re not alone. The clarity you seek will come, one step at a time.