At SoFi, we create a differentiated internal mobility experience for our employees that involves working closely with our internal recruiters to learn about opportunities within the organization. We encourage our employees to take on new challenges and empower them to drive their own careers.
Aaron Eardley, a Command Center Specialist at SoFi is one such individual. He embarked on a transformative career journey participating in the Explorer Program. SoFi’s Explorer Program provides employees with an opportunity to explore cross-functional roles for a period of six months. The experience is designed to give them a mechanism to enhance their knowledge and skills, gain visibility to leaders outside their functional teams, and grow their professional networks. Not only has this program helped launch Aaron's career trajectory, but it has also opened doors he never knew existed.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Aaron and discuss his career path, what motivated him to participate in Explorer, and his advice for anybody considering entering a program like this!
What motivated you to participate in the Explorer program?
My motivation stemmed from my desire to expand my career options. I recognized that in order to advance, I would either have to transition to a different department or pursue a managerial path within my current department. The Explorer Program offered an exciting opportunity to explore new avenues and acquire knowledge in diverse areas. I felt a strong readiness for personal growth and knew I had more to contribute beyond the scope of my existing role at that time.
What have you learned most about yourself through this process?
Through this process, I discovered a newfound understanding of my capabilities. One of the most significant lessons was realizing that even the mistakes that feel the most severe to me, aren’t catastrophic. Mistakes are inevitable; they are a constant aspect of life. This is something I have learned through our core value “Iterate, Learn, Innovate” where we are encouraged to try new things and also fail fast. What truly matters is how we navigate through these challenges. It's in these moments that we build our character, develop resilience, and pave the way for personal growth.
How has this experience helped with your career trajectory?
Before joining, I was uncertain what my career path would be at SoFi. However, the program unveiled several exciting options that I had never considered before. Although I didn't secure any of my top three choices in the program, fate had a different plan for me. I was offered an opportunity to assist with something entirely new, and to my delight, I thrived. In essence, the program opened a door that I never knew existed, leading me to a realm filled with thrilling possibilities. It was like uncovering a treasure trove of exciting experiences and opportunities, giving my career a fresh and invigorating start. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to explore and discover this hidden path that has brought so much joy and fulfillment into my professional life.
What advice would you give to someone considering entering the Explorer Program or a similar offering at their company?
I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it! If you're eager to grow both personally and professionally, yearn to explore new avenues of knowledge, or are keen to shake things up in your career, the Explorer Program is a perfect fit. It opens doors you might not even know existed, giving you a chance to step into uncharted territory, and discover exciting opportunities. Even if it turns out not to be your cup of tea, the experience will still be valuable. If anything, it can illuminate what you don't want in your career, helping you hone your direction and aspirations. So, don't hesitate—seize this opportunity to broaden your horizons and embark on a path of discovery and professional advancement!
Something fun, If you could time travel would you go to the past or the future? And why?
If I could indulge in time travel, my top choice would be to visit Disney World during its more affordable and less crowded days. It must have been a magical experience back then, and I would relish the chance to witness its charm in its prime. I think going further back than the year I was born is generally a bad idea in time travel, and I can't risk traveling into the future with all these mad scientists we currently have running around doing who knows what!
Thank you, Aaron, for sharing your story! It is a shining example of the transformative power of our Explorer Program. We are so proud of your growing career here at SoFi!
The individual featured is a SoFi employee. Their personal experiences, obviously, do not take into account your own specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. Results will vary.
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