Panel Encourages Women To Explore Alternative Career Options

To juniors recovering from the rush of recruiting season, it might seem hard to imagine quitting a coveted consulting job to work in a restaurant kitchen.

But Joanne B. Chang ’91 did just that when she left McKinsey to pursue her dream of becoming a bakery chef over a decade ago.

Chang, who now owns her own bakery, first entered the culinary world by writing letters to restaurant owners in Boston promising that she would “work hard and do whatever you want.”

Chang told her unlikely story to nearly 30 female students last night at a panel discussion entitled, “Exploring Your Options: Pursuing Careers off the Beaten Path.”

The discussion, which was hosted by the Harvard Undergraduate Women In Business (HUWIB) in Boylston’s Ticknor Lounge, featured six women who had made unconventional career choices.

The event’s organizer, Tina Liu ’11, said that HUWIB hoped to expose young women to career options they may not have considered. “I think that a lot of people think about finance and consulting when they enter Harvard, but not about alternative career paths,” Liu said.

The talk kicked off with introductions, as the guest speakers described their eclectic array of current jobs—from president of a media production company to business director of the New England Patriots.

Despite their diverse work experiences, the women touched on some common themes, particularly that of following one’s passion.

“I almost feel like you don’t choose your passion. Your passion chooses you,” said Georgia S. Lee ’98, the writer and director of the award-winning film, “Red Doors” and a former student at Harvard Business School.

Other speakers tried to convey the value of any job, whether or not the work relates to one’s ultimate career choice.

Theresa M. Moore ’86, the president and founder of T-Time Productions, said that her previous jobs­—including stints at an Coca-Cola, ESPN, and an insurance company—all gave her valuable work experience.

The panelists also emphasized the importance of finding a mentor, being proactive, taking risks, and exploring career options outside of campus recruitment.

At the event’s conclusion, many students gathered around the speakers for informal chats and seemed to respond positively to the panel’s message.

“The discussion was very inspiring,” said Julia M. Anoshechkina ’10. “This sort of event gives me the courage and the support to pursue what I really love.”

Other students said they appreciated the speakers’ specific suggestions and “practical insights.”

“At Harvard, getting information about non-conventional careers always takes a little more effort,” said Julia Y. Lam ’09.