Building An Authentic Career in Career Management

What's your name?

Carmen Gonzalez Leon

What's your title or function?

Associate Director of Career Services

What led you to this career path?

The possibility to impact people's life regarding something so important as your career development. We spend so much time working that choosing the right career path makes a whole difference in life. Being able to accompany people in such important decisions is an honor for me.

What would you say is your unique zone of genius?

Calming people down with realistic positivism.

What's the best part and the hardest part of the work you do today?

The best part is being able to add clarity to people's career journey. The hardest part is respecting each person's own time to take action (when action is taking too long). Helping them to find out what's preventing them from taking action when there is no apparent reason is not always easy (although very rewarding!).

What's a challenge you've overcome in your career (that you're willing to share)?

Public speaking

When you look back on your career what are you most proud of?

Being able to work with people from all over the world and have been able to develop the right skills and tools to adapt to different cultures and environments.

What's the job or passion project you've considered but never gone after?

Starting my own business

What is the best piece of career advice you'd like to share with others?

There are different paths to get to a given destination, don't feel defeated if the standard path doesn't seem possible. Spend time looking for a realistic detour.

What does an authentic life and career look like for you?

One that is true to your values, strengths and interests.