Another thing I enjoy about IFAC is the hand we have in topics that are relevant beyond just the accountancy profession. It’s easy to find work intersecting with dinner table conversations with friends, or what’s in the news on a given day.
What attracted you to IFAC when you joined?
Right off the bat, that it is a not-for-profit organization with global reach. At the time, I had just left an organization with a similar structure. I valued working alongside people from all over the world for a common mission. I saw the same reward in working for IFAC.
Were you surprised by anything once you became an employee?
In the best way, I was surprised to learn IFAC’s complete impact on the profession. I now know it’s nearly impossible to explain the full breadth of IFAC’s work during an interview process or even on our website. Though, it has become one of the things I’m most impressed and stimulated by—the number of projects simultaneously taking place in any given week, from anti-corruption to technology to ESG. Fortunately, working on the communications team lends oneself to be closely involved—if not directly—in many of the projects our teams are working on.
What is your role at IFAC?
I’m a manager on the communications team. I run IFAC’s social media handles, serve as the communications lead for our human capital and intellectual property teams, and am a member of our internal web team. Though, our team is very dynamic. We are often collaborating on each other’s projects and tapping into each other’s skills or tricks to help push out communications effectively.
What does a workday look like for you?
My day begins with making sure that any social media that needs to be posted is created and scheduled. From there, I can guarantee some work involving the website and calls with internal teams, and that’s about it. It might include working on graphics, writing a press release, or creating a social media plan for an upcoming publication.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
If you’re interested in a topic, there’s a way to become involved. Prior to joining IFAC, I was doing LGBTQIA+ advocacy, which fits neatly inside DE&I. When IFAC helped produce a DE&I research study, I was able to take part in the communications efforts around it.
Another thing I enjoy about IFAC is the hand we have in topics that are relevant beyond just the accountancy profession. It’s easy to find work intersecting with dinner table conversations with friends, or what’s in the news on a given day. It gives a broader perspective of our impact on pressing issues.
What’s the most unique part about working here?
The people. You’d be hard pressed to find two people at IFAC with very similar backgrounds.
What kinds of resources have you taken advantage of?
IFAC provides a generous amount of PTO, so I’ve done some travel while working here. I’ve also taken advantage of the professional development plan we have; I’m currently enrolled in a Python Programming course with General Assembly.
How has your career grown since starting at IFAC?
Working for IFAC is my first full-time job out of college, and I’ve learned so much. There are the hard skills like understanding new software or best practices for website accessibility, but I’ve also gained soft skills. I think that’s a benefit of working alongside so many well-established professionals, there are plenty of leaders to learn from.
What would you do for a career if you weren’t doing this?
If I was not in communications, I think I would want to own a restaurant. There’s something very energizing about the work hard, play hard environment of being in the service industry; it’s a very social job and one that I’ve found usually has a strong sense of community.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Llandundo beach in Cape Town, South Africa is top on the list, but anywhere that I can be around mountains and water at the same time. My family and I recently hiked the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, which has become a new favorite. And of course, where I live now, Brooklyn. I don’t intend to leave anytime soon.
How do you spend your days off?
I spend my days off with friends checking out new places in the city. We typically try and find good food or do something active. Recent endeavors include rock-climbing memberships and joining a queer pick-up soccer league.
If I’m not in the city, I’m likely traveling with friends or spending time with my family. My parents’ house in Massachusetts is an easy Amtrak ride away and my twin sister lives in Denver, so I try and take advantage of the change in scenery Colorado offers.