A reflection on how non-linear careers can be intentional and valuable. Discover why diverse professional experiences, adaptability, and continuous learning matter more than climbing a traditional career ladder.
Her Story
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Robinson has built a diverse career spanning more than two decades in finance. She began as a part-time teller at a credit union, progressed to full-time and senior teller roles at institutions including Wells Fargo and TD Bank, and gained experience in lending as a loan officer. Her path continued with analyst positions at the South Carolina Department of Transportation, work in accounts payable and receivables, and legislative services, followed by a period of independent consulting and an analyst role at Stride focused on forecasting and budgeting. Today, she operates as an independent finance consultant under her own name, providing operations support, business support, finance, accounting, and analytics services to a private law firm. Robinson earned her bachelor's degree from USC Aiken and her MBA from Ashford University in 2019. She attributes her success to her family, particularly her desire to model determination and independence for her two children, and she advises women entering the field to be bold and take up space.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I wanted to be that better example for my kids. That's what keeps me going. I want to be able to show them what Mommy did. Earning my master's degree was for them. Being able to just be independent and show them that I'm able to be successful as an independent, under my own name. My kids, my family motivates me to want to be successful.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It's never too late to start over. It's okay to start over. I've jumped around several places, and it's okay. What you're doing is building that background experience to launch you into a position where you're meant to be. It's never too late to go after your dreams. It's never too late to set goals for yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be bold. Take up space. Don't be afraid to take up space. Never be afraid to take up space. Don't let someone shrink you and limit you because they say you can't do something. You know what you're capable of. Take up space, show them that you're there for a reason. Don't let anyone shrink your image. You are where you are supposed to be.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in finance today is keeping pace with rapidly changing technology, regulations, and business needs. At the same time, I see that as an opportunity. Companies need professionals who can adapt, understand the numbers, identify risks, and use financial insights to help make better business decisions.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, resilience, growth, and compassion. I believe in doing the right thing, treating people with respect, and always being willing to learn and evolve. I also value family and meaningful relationships, and I believe true success is finding fulfillment in your work while being present for the people who matter most.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Elizabeth
Why Your Career Doesn’t Have to Follow a Straight Line to Be Successful
Redefining Career Success: Why Your Path Doesn't Have to Be Linear to Be Meaningful
For years, we have been taught to think of a successful career as a ladder. Choose a field, find your path, and steadily climb. But real careers do not always happen that way, and I have learned that they do not have to.
My professional journey has taken me through finance, accounting, business operations, quality, compliance, and consulting. Earlier in my career, I might have viewed those experiences as separate chapters. Today, I recognize that each one helped shape the professional I have become.
Finance taught me to understand the story behind the numbers. Accounting reinforced accuracy and accountability. Operations taught me how people and processes work together, while quality and compliance strengthened my ability to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.
Today, as an Independent Finance Operations Consultant, I bring those experiences together to help companies strengthen financial and operational processes, identify inefficiencies and risks, and make better-informed business decisions.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that a career does not have to be linear to be intentional. Sometimes an unexpected opportunity teaches you a new skill. Sometimes a transition reveals a strength you did not know you had. What initially feels like a detour may ultimately prepare you for an opportunity you cannot yet see.
I also believe women should be careful not to disqualify themselves too quickly. There is a difference between being unqualified and having room to grow. You may not check every box, but your experience, perspective, adaptability, and willingness to learn have value.
My definition of success has evolved throughout my career. It is not simply about titles or following a predetermined path. It is about continuing to learn, remaining resilient, acting with integrity, and using what you have learned to create value for others.
If your career does not look exactly the way you once imagined, that does not mean you are behind. Recognize what each experience has taught you, connect the dots, and give yourself permission to evolve.
Your path does not have to be straight to be meaningful. Sometimes the turns are exactly what give you the perspective you need to lead.
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