'Oportun'ity

From interviews to research assessments, I had a lot on my ISM to-do list this past week. On Friday, I had the incredible opportunity of interviewing Mr. Eric Cunningham, Vice President of Oportun. Oportun is an impactful company promoting financial inclusion among many low to moderate-income communities. Oportun’s purposeful mission truly inspired me and as I spoke with Mr. Cunningham, I got to know more about the success stories and lives Oportun has touched. I gained so much insight into what it means to operate a for-profit social enterprise and really gained a deeper understanding of companies working toward a social cause. I would have never been able to interview Mr. Cunningham if it were not for the connection I had previously made with Mr. Denton of EX4CX at the ISM business symposium. Mr. Denton was able to connect me with Mr. Cunningham and it really made me realize the importance of networking and building professional relationships. Although it was a challenge this week to balance preparing for my interview with two other written assessments, I have learned so much about my topic throughout the process. I have also realized that researching something you are truly passionate about is so rewarding and does not seem like work after a while.