After five years with RSM, I met a fork in the road. I connected with some of my mentors for additional perspective and advice. Through these conversations, I made the difficult decision to leave RSM and accepted an opportunity to join a smaller but growing firm as the director of client relations. As a part of my new role, I am responsible for developing and maintaining client relationships, understanding and anticipating client needs, and addressing them before they become urgent. I also assist clients on technical matters and work collaboratively with internal team members, clients and auditors to resolve issues promptly and smoothly.
If there is a piece of advice I could give to the RSM alum community, it would be to invest in your mentors. Choosing the right mentor is crucial, be intentional about the relationship and ensure that you have more than one mentor. The board of mentors you build now will become your board of trustees in the future. Remember, it doesn't happen overnight—so make sure you continuously invest in people, dedicate your time and nurture your relationships. I'm a big believer that I am where I am today because of those who came before me and advised me along the way.