How dropping out of college led to a 30 Year Career
When Carrie Robertson was in high school, she thought that she would follow the traditional route: graduate from high school, attend college, earn her degree, and earn a job. However, things changed when Robertson dropped out of college and found success on an unexpected path.
When Carrie Robertson was in high school, she thought that she would follow the traditional route: graduate from high school, attend college, earn her degree, and earn a job. However, things changed when Robertson dropped out of college and found success on an unexpected path.
During her years at Carbon High School, Robertson was inspired to follow her father’s path and become a teacher. She planned to attend the College of Eastern Utah (now USU Eastern) to earn her associate’s degree. “I would have had to further my education at Utah State in Logan to finish my degree,” Robertson said.
After graduation, Robertson started attending CEU to work on her degree. Her college experience only lasted two semesters but was enjoyable since her friends were also pursuing their academic endeavors. While being enjoyable, challenges began to present themselves when Robertson started taking math and science. That is when she decided that college was not for her. “I realized college was not for me when I was struggling in math and sciences. I did take advantage of tutoring and help from my professors who helped me pass those classes,” Robertson recalled.
After dropping out of school, Robertson was working as a server when an opportunity in banking presented itself. A manager for First Security Bank asked if she would be interested in a job. Robertson was hesitant to take the job knowing math was something that she struggled with. “I was nervous because I hated math, but I gave it a go and loved it,” Robertson said. Soon after, this became just the start of her successful career.
In 1996, Robertson was hired as an on-call teller at the Helper branch. In 2001, First Security Bank was acquired by Wells Fargo. As she became more interested in the world of banking, she enrolled in classes at the American Bankers Association. “I knew I had the opportunity to move up in banking and make a successful career out of it,” Robertson stated. She knew that she would have a successful career in banking, which would lead to further opportunities.
One of the people to whom Robertson owes much of her success is Leslie Tallerico, her manager at First Security Bank. “She encouraged me to take on new roles and supported me working part-time while my children were little.” In 2009, Tallerico retired and encouraged Robertson to apply for the branch manager position. “She molded me and I was able to step into the role, and continue growth at the Helper branch. Leslie is now like a second mother, and we stay in contact regularly. I owe a lot to the kind of manager I am, because of her.”
The banking industry has undergone many changes with the integration of technology. ATMs have taken the place of needing tellers, and many customers do not need to come physically into the branches. Robertson sees this as a challenge but also the chance for opportunity. “Therefore, technology makes life easier. It also comes with scams and fraud. Banking now requires educating customers on several types of scams and protecting the most vulnerable who lived in a time where they could trust most anyone,” Robertson said.
Robertson stands firm on her decision not to get a degree: “I do not regret not getting a college degree. I advanced the career ladder, which felt like gaining a degree.”
When it came time for her daughters, Abby and Ally, to attend college, she knew that they both showed interest in attending. Robertson stated, “My children expressed interest in college, and I supported them. As a strong woman, I want my girls to be able to take care of themselves and not depend on a man to take care of them.” She encouraged her daughters to apply for scholarships and wanted them to be happy in whatever they chose to do. “I wanted them to be happy in whatever career choice they decided to pursue. I always told them money can’t buy happiness, so do something you truly love to do,” Robertson said.
If Robertson could give advice to anyone considering dropping out of college it would be, “I would encourage them to make a plan, and not immediately make a rash decision. I am a strong believer in on the job training. People can be successful without a piece of paper. If your plan does not work out, you can always go back to school. You are in charge of you.”
Robertson is proof that you do not have to obtain a college degree to succeed. Success can come in different paths and does not always look like everyone else’s.
