Community as the Backbone of Your Career: An Interview with Rebecca Schulte
Like many others, I’ve had struggle points when it comes to finding my place within the community. It can be challenging to know where to go, who to talk to, and how to incorporate your ever changing passions into all of that. That’s why I felt that it would be beneficial to showcase a woman who not only can offer advice and help to individuals in a similar position, but can also speak on her experiences of surrounding herself with the community.
Rebecca Schulte grew up in a small Saskatchewan town, but travelled often, which helped her realize that she craved the hustle and bustle of big city life. When she graduated high school, she pushed herself to attend university in Edmonton, although she was unsure of what her future career would entail. With the help of a mutual friend, Rebecca eventually ended up in the world of Real Estate which opened the door to a new chapter in her life. Through this 10 year long adventure of selling houses, the idea of community, home, and belonging really set in.
Although the career was financially rewarding, it was taxing on Rebecca, therefore she made the decision to take a step back where she had a baby girl and had time to re-evaluate her career. Although pivoting in your career can be scary, Rebecca has found a way to do it alongside her community. “This has always started with encouragement and reassurance from my husband and family. It’s important to have a cheerleader and a support system! They become the most important community and resource you have so build a good team of friends, mentors and family around you. No matter what I do or where I go from here on out, I know my little community will support and encourage me. I didn’t always know or realize that. But as I’ve had to make some changes within the last few years, it’s become abundantly clear that your community wants you to succeed. They will cheer you on, refer you or tell others about what you’re doing and that support means the world to me.”
Through an Instagram share, Rebecca learned that Hillberg & Berk, focused on empowering women, was expanding into Alberta, where Rebecca ended up securing a role. “My role gave me insight into the exciting world of retail and evolved into working with nonprofits to establish partnerships, sponsorships and activations through Community Engagement. This role was the one that changed my whole view when it came to the community itself and particularly, the Edmonton community.” Rebecca’s role helped her learn about an exuberance of incredible organizations, causes, and resources that are available to Edmontonians. Through her work, Rebecca was immersed in pockets of inspiration and groups of change makers.
Through the pandemic, Rebecca had the opportunity to stay home with her daughter, and was able to focus on the very thing she left her first career for - family! When she put the pandemic and her career thus far into perspective, she realized that more businesses need to implement purpose and give back. “It’s so important and essential to our community. Giving back feels so good and the ripple effect it has is even cooler to witness! So the idea sparked that I could be the “give-back” expert and work with for profit companies in the same way in which I worked with Hillberg & Berk. To be that liaison between a business and a non-profit to establish a give back strategy and/or partnership.”
Eventually Rebecca ended up joining a company called The Virtual Effect which works with community centered organizations and nonprofits, after pitching her idea of consulting to her dear friend Jocelyn. Together they launched the Purpose and Engagement arm of the business. Rebecca mentioned that “Putting a business idea out there can be intimidating but I truly believed that I could make a difference within businesses and the community even further. So many friends, businesses and colleagues showed their support and some have even hired me! Seeing these relationships come full circle has been really fulfilling. Having a business partner that has the same values and vision is extremely important as well and I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else!”
When I asked Rebecca about the moments in her career that have made her appreciate the communities she’s been a part of, she shared with me that she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 21. “It was 8 long months of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and my community came together to show up and support me. My career was instantly paused to focus on my health and my employers were so supportive and gracious enough to keep paying me even when I couldn’t work. I had friends and family from near and far coming together to send notes of encouragement, gifts, food or whatever I needed at that moment. I am still forever grateful to all who showed up for me during that time in my life and career!”
Outside of this difficult time, Rebecca also shared how she has been able to witness some fundraising initiatives where real change has been made. “It was amazing to come up with activations at events that raised money for a variety of nonprofits. When I was working with Hillberg & Berk, we came up with a “mystery bag” concept for a fundraising event and took existing product and promotional gift cards to create 200 gift bags for sale. These bags sold for $50 each and the purchaser would either have an instant win piece of jewellery in their bag or receive a promotional gift card to spend in store. The bags sold out in under an hour and we made $10,000 to donate to one of our charity partners. This was a key moment when I realized how so many other businesses could also use what they have existing in their businesses, whether it be product or services, and have such a great impact.”
As you can see, Rebecca has had an incredible journey to where she is today. When I asked Rebecca to share the lessons she has learned, she had a wealth of knowledge to share with us:
Say YES to the opportunities that are presented to you. This helped Rebecca meet new people, and learn new perspectives and skills.
It’s okay to try new things! “You don’t have to stay in a career if you’re unhappy! It’s ok to try new industries and roles - it’s how you expand and grow.”
Ensure that your next career is focused on company culture and values. “After leaving Real Estate, I was able to make a more intentional decision about where I wanted to work and who I wanted to work for and with. This afforded me so many opportunities and where that true sense of community came into place. It was the first time I enjoyed my work and colleague interactions. I learned so much from the women I worked alongside and that sense of camaraderie and value alignment really resonated with me.”
For anybody like me who is trying to pursue their goals and find their place in the community, Rebecca has many recommendations for us! “Volunteer! Join a committee! Attend events and be social! If you put yourself out there and just show up, you are likely to make a new connection. Those connections will come to serve you so well as you move forward in your life and in your career. So many times in my current role, someone will ask `Do you know anyone who….’ and because of being out and about and a part of community, I usually have an answer on who I can reach out to or connect with. These folks then become your own network and from there you can ask for advice and mentorship whenever you need it.”
Additionally, Rebecca has extended an invitation to each and every one of our readers to connect on LinkedIn if readers are looking for ideas on where or how to connect within the community.
Rebecca says “I’m confident we could find each and every one of you reading a great place within our community!” Inspired by Rebecca’s story, we would also love to extend the invitation to join our online blog community. Use the comments section below to share your thoughts, feelings, and any questions you have for Rebecca. Remember, building community starts with finding a support system - let this be the start to yours!