I've Been Navigating Career Pivots for 23 Years — Here's My Advice on Finding a Fulfilling Career

For 23 years, Jennifer Everett has been empowered to grow professionally and personally at a single company — a company that she now sees as her second home.

This incredible journey started when she joined Enterprise Holdings immediately after graduating from university. “I was hired for the Management Training Program in my home of Nova Scotia, Canada and was offered the opportunity to be part of the international training program, which allowed me to start my first day on the job in Southern California,” she tells us. And this was only one stop in her journey — which also included positions in New York, New Jersey, and Saint Louis.

During this time, “I have had the opportunity to hold various roles and gain incredible experiences,” recalls Everett. She’s held positions in the company’s Management Trainee career path, Revenue Management, and in their Support Services Group. And, now, she’s been promoted to Assistant Vice President in the Replacement & Leisure Division group — a transition which will soon enable her to relocate back to Canada!

“Each role has been an amazing experience,” Everett tells us, “and I've had the pleasure of working with many talented and supportive leaders who share the same goal — to make Enterprise the best and most trusted mobility provider in the world. I feel fortunate to have been a part of this journey, and I look forward to what lies ahead.”

Reflecting back on her journey and multiple successful career pivots, Everett has many key pieces of advice to share. For instance, “it's important to take the time to thoroughly research and understand your new role, including the expectations and challenges that come with it,” she advises. “Use this knowledge to identify your strengths and create a plan for how you can excel in your new position.”

Additionally, “keep in mind that each new role may come with a different leadership style, which can greatly impact team dynamics,” says Everett. “Take the time to get to know your new leader and assess whether their values align with yours. Finding a positive cultural fit is crucial for your long-term job satisfaction.”

And, throughout your journey, it’s okay to acknowledge that career pivots, while exciting, can also be challenging. “But with the right approach and mindset, you can navigate these transitions successfully and set yourself up for a fulfilling career,” Everett states.

For more inspirational advice, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at her current position, we reached out to Everett. Here’s what she had to say…

Let’s start by discussing your current job. What’s your current role, how long have you been in this role, and what is your day-to-day like?

I currently serve as an Assistant Vice President on our Replacement & Leisure Development Team, a role I've held for 18 months and been a part of for almost five years. Recently, I was promoted to Team Canada within the same department and a similar role, and I cannot wait to move back to Canada and be a part of this team. 

One of the things I adore about my role is its dynamic nature — no two days are the same, and that keeps me energized and engaged. I work alongside a fantastic group of individuals, and I'm proud to support them and our business partners' strategies. Together, we brainstorm how we can enhance the customer experience, streamline the process, and generate mutual efficiencies. Additionally, I have the opportunity to support local Sales Directors in operating groups by having similar discussions with our partners. We attend conferences and events to explore opportunities in the industry and ensure that our customers have the options they require. My role allows me to travel, work from home, and work in the office, and I feel blessed to collaborate with such amazing individuals every day.

What made you decide to make a career change and pivot to your current role?

At Enterprise, one of the most exceptional things is the abundant internal career opportunities and the guidance provided by our leadership to make significant moves in our careers. We all strive to motivate each other to seize new challenges and opportunities, which is precisely what led me to my current role. As a Branch Manager, Area Manager, and Airport Market Manager, I cherished the relationships I had with our partners. Collaborating with the local Body Shops, Claims Teams, and Business Travelers to deliver mobility solutions to our shared customers was truly a highlight in my career.

The opportunity to take this experience to a national level filled me with genuine enthusiasm. It's remarkable to work for an organization that strives to do what's best for the industry. The long-term vision to be the best, most trustworthy mobility company inspires us to pursue the best interest of our business and our partners' businesses, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our mutual customers. For any salesperson, this is nothing short of a dream!

How did you make this switch, and how did your company support you in this process?

Luckily, our company is brimming with amazing individuals who make working here a special and gratifying experience. Switching roles and making significant career changes has been nothing short of awesome. Admittedly, there's always a certain level of stress and the challenges of navigating the learning curve in a new role. However, I am grateful for the exceptional mentors who are always there to offer guidance or support whenever needed. They are patient, helpful, and empathetic since they were in my shoes not long ago. We have many support systems both formal and informal. 

Moreover, we have an abundance of support not only from our managers and leaders in the division but also from our colleagues and support teams like Human Resources and our Relocation Team. Everyone is always willing to help and extend their support, making our company incredible.

Looking back on your career, what would you say has been your most surprising and valuable detour?

When I first started my career, my goal was to become a General Manager of one of the operating groups. However, as my children were young, I made the difficult decision to step away from this career path. I used to feel like this was a career mistake, but I now see that it was the best choice I could have made. It allowed me to discover a role that I truly enjoy and excel at, while also being able to prioritize my family life and be a happy mother and partner. 

This career pivot provided me with valuable insights about our business and gave me the chance to meet amazing people, ultimately leading me to the fulfilling role I hold today. I feel very fortunate to work for a company that offers so many opportunities for personal and professional growth. As I shared with a colleague recently, the roles we don't get simply weren't meant for us, and the role we do get will always be the perfect fit.

How have you benefited from the skills and experience you’ve gained in your career journey?

When I started my career, I was a young and overconfident girl who thought she knew it all. However, over the years, I have grown. Now, I am happily married for over two decades, blessed with two amazing children, and surrounded by friends and mentors from all around the world. I've gained so much from this company!

Personally, I am more resilient, adaptable to change, receptive to constructive criticism, an improved communicator, and more willing to seek help and guidance. I love celebrating my achievements and teaching my children to do the same. Being surrounded by such an incredible support network has allowed me to learn from those around me continually. I'm always eager to explore new areas of our business, try new things, and provide the same love and support at home.

Enterprise has been a significant part of my growth and development, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained here, both personally and professionally.

Speaking of Enterprise, what are your favorite things about working at the company?

I am fortunate to be a part of a company that places great emphasis on cultivating a positive culture and values that are centered around doing the right thing and supporting one another. The amazing people who work here are the backbone of our success. They are incredibly supportive and go out of their way to motivate and inspire others to be their best selves. I have personally experienced this support and encouragement, which has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. The team spirit here is contagious and has created an environment where everyone feels valued, included, and supported with a fun touch of competition! I truly believe that this is what sets our company apart and makes it such an amazing place to work.