Finding My Place Between Numbers, Systems, and Purpose
Finding Strength in the Intersection of Technology, Finance, and Systems Thinking
For a long time, I believed I had to choose between being “technical” or “business-oriented.” What I eventually realized is that the space between the two is where I feel most confident and capable. As an Information Systems major working in accounting and finance, I’ve learned that my greatest strength lies in connecting how systems function with why financial decisions matter.
My journey hasn’t been about mastering a single skill. It’s been about understanding how different pieces work together. In my studies, I’ve learned accounting principles, corporate finance, and economics alongside information systems that support data accuracy, reporting, and decision-making. In practice, those concepts become tangible. A spreadsheet isn’t just rows and columns; it’s a tool that informs cash flow management, risk assessment, and compliance.
What resonates most with me is the responsibility that comes with working behind the scenes. In accounting and finance, small errors can lead to significant consequences. That reality has shaped my discipline, attention to detail, and habit of asking the right questions. I’ve learned to slow down, verify information, and consider how data will ultimately be used—not just whether it appears correct.
Information Systems has added another layer to my thinking. Rather than focusing solely on outputs, I now examine processes. Why is data entered this way? Where are potential breakdowns? How can systems be designed to reduce error and reliance on manual intervention? This systems-oriented mindset has changed how I approach problems—not only at work, but in how I think more broadly.
Balancing school while working professionally has also strengthened my resilience. Managing deadlines, responsibilities, and long-term goals simultaneously isn’t easy, but it has taught me adaptability and self-awareness. I’ve learned that progress isn’t always dramatic. Often, it looks like consistency—showing up, learning from mistakes, and improving incrementally each day.
Ultimately, I’m motivated by the idea that strong systems and sound financial decisions create stability. They allow businesses to operate responsibly and enable people to plan with confidence. Knowing that my work—even when it’s quiet or unseen—contributes to that stability gives it real meaning.
I’m still learning, and I don’t have everything figured out. But I know that working at the intersection of technology, data, and finance is where I belong. It’s a space that challenges me, grounds me, and pushes me to continue building skills that matter.
