I had an unusual, winding path to my career in IT at Mutual of Omaha. Looking back, taking a chance on that path was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
A teaching moment
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and planned to become a teacher. At the time, there was a surplus of teachers in Nebraska, and thousands of applicants competed for a limited number of positions, especially in smaller communities.
After substitute teaching for a year or two, I landed a full-time job in a small Nebraska town, where I taught for three years. I enjoyed the work and the students, but I wanted to live in Lincoln to be closer to friends and family.
Betting on myself
One day I was talking with a colleague — our high school guidance counselor. He suggested I go back to school and consider a career in the growing field of information technology. Jobs were plentiful, and I was intrigued.
Here’s the thing: I had no background in technology, and I’d never considered it. But a couple of months later, I resigned from my tenured position and went back to school. It wasn’t as reckless as it sounds — I didn’t make the decision until I’d gathered a lot of information and weighed my options.
Changing careers isn’t easy, and stepping into the unknown can be uncomfortable. But I didn’t want uncertainty to keep me from an opportunity that might be a great fit. I enjoyed my classes, excelled in the program and graduated ready to begin a new chapter.
A nontraditional background became an asset
Not long afterward, I found myself choosing between two strong job offers: one from a company in Lincoln and one from Mutual of Omaha. I chose Mutual of Omaha because I saw the greatest potential to grow.
My hiring manager valued the skills I’d built as a teacher alongside my new technology skills. That combination helped me stand out — and it proved that a nontraditional background can be an asset, not a setback.
Always more to learn
Mutual of Omaha has given me the chance to learn new technologies and explore new paths. I began as a mainframe developer, then took part in Java training the company offered, which helped me move to new teams and broaden my skills.
Later I joined a team as a platform administrator, where I’m still learning and building on everything I’ve gained along the way.
What I appreciate most about tech is that there’s always something new to learn. The work keeps evolving, and the company has supported my growth every step of the way.
All about the people
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside talented, supportive colleagues. The camaraderie, collaboration and willingness to help one another succeed make coming to work enjoyable.
Finding a company that invested in my growth, valued my experience and surrounded me with great people made all the difference. If you’re weighing a leap of your own, I can tell you it’s worth betting on yourself.
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