When Passion and Career Align

For millennials, the workforce looks vastly different today than when baby boomers were entering. Passion is a hot topic that society pushes millennials towards in the search for a career. Many millennials believe they will be unfilled in the corporate world because it does not provide an opportunity to pursue certain passions. For me, a millennial, life at HORNE has proven that a personal passion can easily align with my career. 

After a first-hand experience of the hardships families face due to a lack of financial knowledge, financial literacy has been a passion of mine for years. I knew at some point in my career I wanted to provide help for adults seeking financial knowledge but lacking a means to find and learn that knowledge. Within the first few months working at HORNE, I attended an event for Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE). MCEE provides financial literacy training for teachers in Mississippi. There is also a tax partner at HORNE that serves on the MCEE Board of Directors. Through conversations about volunteer involvement with MCEE my passion quickly began coming to life. We were able to partner with MCEE and other organizations to organize FinanceSMART—an event aimed towards financial literacy for both parents and children. After a successful first program, we hope to continue offering this program each school semester at various locations across Mississippi.

Without the help and resources of HORNE, this passion of mine would still be a dream. Through the guidance of a partner at HORNE, I was able to fulfill a passion area outside of my normal day-to-day responsibilities. It speaks volumes to me that I was able to serve HORNE, the community, and my own passion all at the same time. The coolest part was being supported by team members, partners and the firm to make FinanceSMART a reality.

As schedules grow hectic and responsibilities become heavier, remember the benefit of the time taken to invest in the growth of others far outweighs the costs. To work for a firm that allows its team members to pursue their own passions is powerful. But to work for a firm that invests its own resources to aid an employee’s passion, that’s a culture to be proud of.

About the Author  

Ali is a senior associate at HORNE LLP focused on providing assurance and advisory services to public and middle market companies. She has found her path to purpose—building a career aligned with her passion—where she can serve HORNE, the community, and her own passion all at the same time.