From Hospitality to Information Technology

Early Stages of My Career

I joined Paylocity in June 2020, right in the middle of one of the most uncertain and challenging times—the height of the pandemic. At the time, I had gained valuable experience working in the restaurant and theme park industries while pursuing my bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism management. But as COVID-19 led to lockdowns and everything felt upended, I found myself searching for something new, something stable, and meaningful. That’s when a friend told me about Paylocity, and little did I know that recommendation would change the course of my life.

I started as an Account Manager in the Client Services department, and from day one, I felt like I’d found my place. In this role, I supported clients, answering their questions and helping them navigate their day-to-day operations using our products. But it wasn’t just about solving problems—it was about making an impact. I thrived on mentoring new hires, diving deep into certifications, and pursuing growth opportunities, including an internal leadership preparation course. Within just one year, I went from Account Manager I to Account Manager III, a journey that was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Journey to Leadership and Higher Education

That leadership course sparked something inside me—a realization that I had the potential to lead, to guide others, and to make an even bigger difference. By November 2021, I had been promoted to Team Lead in the Client Services department, where I mentored other Account Managers and helped them grow in their roles. But my journey was just getting started. My hunger for learning and my desire to understand more about Paylocity’s many layers inspired me to apply for a Team Lead position within our Implementation department—a whole new world I had no prior experience in. Yet, I knew my understanding of the system and the client lifecycle gave me a unique perspective. I stepped into that role in February 2023, and for the past year and a half, I’ve contributed in ways that surprised even me.

Through my work in Implementation, I found myself nominated for process improvement projects by leaders who believed in me. And through those projects, I discovered a new passion: Project Management. This passion led me to my current role as Project Manager of Operations within Paylocity’s Project Management Office (PMO). As if this wasn’t exciting enough, Paylocity’s tuition reimbursement program has supported my journey back to school, where I am now in my final semester at Florida State University, earning my master's in information technology with a focus on project management, alongside a graduate certificate in information technology leadership. This incredible opportunity has been a testament to Paylocity’s unwavering support for my dreams. 

Culture Crew

Beyond the professional growth, one of the things that has made Paylocity truly special for me is the culture. When I started, everything was remote due to the pandemic, but once we were able to return to the office, I transitioned to a hybrid work model. I’ll never forget the first time I walked into the office—it was buzzing with energy and a sense of community that immediately made me feel at home. 

What makes Paylocity unique is how much they invest in creating connections, even with our remote employees. Each office, as well as our remote teams, has its own Culture Crew—a group of volunteers who organize events that foster camaraderie and bring everyone closer together. For two years, I had the privilege of serving as Chair/Co-Chair of the Culture Crew at our Lake Mary office. It was such a fulfilling experience to plan events like game nights, fall festivals, corporate 5Ks, and even salsa dancing nights! But it wasn’t just about fun—we also focused on giving back to the community, organizing toy drives, backpack donation events, and supporting local shelters. Every event, every initiative deepened my love for Paylocity and its people. 

Reflection

The past four and a half years have flown by, but looking back, I feel nothing but gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had here at Paylocity. I’ve grown in ways I never imagined—both professionally and personally—and along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible mentors and forming friendships that will last a lifetime.