Real Life of an MSW

Two years into my role at Sam’s Club, my manager called to say that Walmart wanted me for a job. She gave me the best advice that I’ve ever been given and that I try to share often. She said, “Go and talk to them like you want the job. Get the offer because you were interested enough and because you convinced them that you were the person for the job. Then if you don’t want it, don’t take it. But don’t not get offered the job.” I followed her advice and got the job, which was running the company’s alcohol division for the U.S. I was still senior director. I didn’t move levels immediately, but I got more opportunity, and it ultimately paid off. Most of us don’t get promoted as fast as we think we should, but there can be a ton of value in moving across departments. I was able to accelerate a little bit faster because of my varied experiences. Within two years I was promoted to senior vice-president.-Latriece Watkins