Managing internships and volunteering commitments with work while pursuing an undergraduate degree and then a Finance MBA (while also parenting three sons) requires intention. “I don't know that I truly believe that there's a [work-life] balance,” Yemi Brown explained. “I think it's about prioritizing.”
Upon starting at the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) as an undergraduate, Brown was strategic in taking advantage of as many resources on campus as possible, from engaging in student organizations to visiting Career Services. Her outlook was, “You have to be willing to put in the work to get the benefits.” The payoff in Brown’s case came quickly: Through UHD, Brown connected with INROADS, which led her to an internship at Chevron, where she’s worked now for more than two years.
Brown’s outlook towards hard work has carried over into her time outside of her career and academics. She volunteers almost every weekend. “Service is a huge part of who I am. I enjoy doing any sort of community service that I can get my hands on,” Brown said. Her involvement spans the Junior League, Dress for Success Houston, NABA, Habitat for Humanity, and beyond.
Brown also attests that momentum can build off a single moment of openness: “Just be willing to say yes,” she advised. “That yes might be the best yes of your year or of your life.”
Saying yes to attending the most recent NABA conference despite some hesitation led to one of the most satisfying experiences of Brown’s time as a Gator. There, UHD and University of Houston students teamed up on a case study with only 48 hours to prepare. “We didn't think that we were going to win because when we gave our presentation, our judges had no questions,” Brown recounted. The team took first place. “It was a great way to end my student career at UHD, to be honest, joining with UH Main and UHD students to win something and to show the value of our education.”
The outcome reaffirmed what Brown already believed about the university: “Our professors work hard to make sure that we get the highest caliber of education possible.” She noted Thomas Jackson, adjunct faculty in Accounting and International Business, as having gone above and beyond in preparing students. “He's always willing to advise you about what the profession looks like practically and what you'll need,” Brown said. “He really inspires others to continue in the profession regardless of how difficult it is.”
Brown, an introvert herself, emphasized the importance of self-advocating when reflecting on her own path to success. “You have to have people who know you and know what you're capable of. And in order to do that, you have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone, speak to people, communicate with them, share with them what you're doing, where you want to go.”
As for Brown, she’s eager to further develop her career in the oil and gas field. And now that she has a master’s degree, she’s one step closer to reaching her goal of one day returning to higher education as an educator.