I am a prime example of the fact that Southwest Airlines gives its Employees the Freedom to move around the Company. I've been at Southwest for nearly seven years, during which time I've held three very different jobs.
I started my career at Southwest as a Recruiter. While in the People Department, I interviewed candidates for open positions in Finance and Internal Audit here at Headquarters. I enjoyed meeting potential New Hires, and I loved being the first point of contact for the folks who were hired at Southwest. I can honestly say that the hardworking People in the People Department are some of the best folks with whom I've had the honor to work. Plus, one of the perks of being a Recruiter is that it's a terrific way to meet People. I still see familiar faces every day around Headquarters that I met during my Recruiting days.
After nearly two years in Employment, I decided I was ready for a change and interviewed for the Compensation Analyst opening. The hiring Managers (and later two of my favorite bosses), Brent Wolfe and Michael Curtis, are true believers in the "hire for attitude and train for skill" mantra, and thankfully they decided to give me a shot. Although I did not have previous Compensation experience, they taught me the trade of evaluating job responsibilities; completing market surveys; and helping to administer Southwest's salary administration program. Needless to say, I learned a lot during my tenure in Compensation, and I grew to LOVE Excel spreadsheets!
After over three years of analyzing and evaluating, it was once again time for me to "move my cheese." I had spent most of my career thus far in human resources, and was ready for a career change. One great thing about SWA is that you can change careers without changing companies! So…when fellow blogger Sunny Abercrombie posted an opening for a Culture Activities Rep, I thought I'd be crazy not to apply.
Here I am, nearly two years later, and I still pinch myself when I come to work. Our Team's primary responsibility is to keep the Southwest Culture strong by planning Spirit Parties, Messages to the Field, and the Annual Awards Banquet. In addition, we support the Local and Corporate Culture Committees in their quests to enrich the SOUTHWEST SPIRIT in their departments at a local level. I'm happy to report that I feel like I've finally found my niche.
I'd love to hear stories about other SWA job hoppers…where did you start your career? And where are you now?
Comments
Shelley,
I got to work with you in your most recent, previous career as a Compensation Analyst, and you always did a really great job.
BUT ... you were BORN to be one of our "Culture Chicks."
And for anyone else out there who's listening ... if you ever want to be cheered up and just feel good about things in general, give our Shelley a call!
Gee to me, "Compensation Anaylst" is the very antithesis of Shelley Logan.
Blog Boy
Shelley,
I coasted through the mortgage business on the refi boom for the last 5 years and recently decided I am going to "move my cheese" too. I've been applying (okay, a little aggressively) for different positions at SWA recently (finance and internal audit - not kidding!) and keeping my fingers crossed. I read this blog daily. I'm in the SWA Myspace group, blogging with employees. SWA fitsinto my big picture - the "where do you want to be in 10 years?" picture. I could go on and on.
But eventually I had to admit that it may not happen right away and that I may need to take another job. :( But that's okay - I am firm believer that everything that happens to us, happens for a reason. And my part in it is go with it and do the very best I can, and always continue to learn. And frankly I have a lot to learn!
Just as I make peace with the fact that my dream company will have to wait or that possibly it just wasn't meant to be *shudder*, just as I finally think I can work elsewhere and try again in a few years, I read this blog! It's torture! ;-)
Seriously, thank you for a great post! It is inspiring to know that other companies do promote cross-training and internal transfer, because mine, unfortunately does not. (One of the million reasons I feel I belong at SWA).
Nikki (the weirdo who sent her resume covered in peanuts to HDQ)
I moved my cheese a lot in my five years at SWA. I started as an HRIC data tech - excited every time I received a piece of paper to key in a happy event for one of our employees. Next, I was an Admin Assistant to three of the best bosses I have ever had. My 3rd job was as Compensation Coord and lastly I moved into the empty space left by Shelley by becoming a Compensation Analyst.
I am now at a small global company as an HR Manager. When I answer the question of where I was before I often get the same response. "Why would you leave Southwest?" I love my SWA family, but love my husband more and we recently moved to Utah so he can finish his education.
Miss you all!
Shannon P
P.S. Shelley, I saw you on "Ace of Cakes" I recognized your laugh before I even saw you!
You guys all do a great job with a lot of spirit!! As a proud stockholder and frequent flyer, I really look forward to each SWA trip.
Bob
In my 5-plus years with SWA, I've had two jobs. I was hired in April 2002 as a Customer Service Agent, and switched to Operations three years ago. I'm now interviewing (soon, hopefully) for Operations Supervisor here in BDL. We have a pretty junior and young station, and I have high hopes to be retiring from Southwest in about 40 years or so. I have an interest in just about every aspect of the company, and I plan on "moving my cheese" many times in the decades to come until I know SWA inside and out. I hope to be in Headquarters in the next... 5 years, maybe. I'll have Colleen's job in 20 years. (Yes, I am ambitious!!)
The best part about my job is that I get to do so many different things as a part of, and in addition to, my regular job. I've had several different titles, but have always done pretty much the same thing ... help people understand how to use our technology to do their jobs better, faster, more efficiently, and/or more effectively.
But I've also been a singer for our Heroes of the Heart Ceremony; a graphic artist for lots of t-shirts designs, posters, logos and the like; a mentor for several interns; a "den-father" for a couple of groups of new-hires in technology; an actor, choreographer, singing coach, and music editor for our Halloween skits; a member of our terrific Culture Committee; and lots, lots more.
And NOW, I get to travel all around our system meeting new people and making videos to show all of our great bloggers and posters how much FUN we have working and playing together.
I'm a very lucky man!
Leah,
Sit down---I have some wonderful news
to share with you!!
I got the RSA job in Houston!!!
I wanted to thank you for all your encouragement.
Please keep us posted on your info,
I sincerely hope that you have Good News soon...
Ricky
I am amazed at all of the dedicated you guys have put into this company. In November I will celebrate my one year anniversary with this company. I work in reservations in case you would like to know. :) I love it here. Everyone is dedicated and has a huge heart. I hope to be "moving my cheese" with the rest of you guys in the years ahead. :)
Congrats Ricky! You'll do great!
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