Change is hard for everyone but having self assurance and a strong support system can allow you to make changes for the better. Do not get complacent in your personal or professional life and always try and learn new things. 
Once a month, fusionSpan will share the talent and hard work of the people that we call our team. From delivery, consulting, operations, and more – we pause to get a little bit personal, showcasing the faces behind the technology solutions that we work on each day. This month we meet fusionSpan Consultant, Stephen St. John!
What was your first job? Tell us about it.
For my first job, I was a bag boy/shelf stocker at Piggly Wiggly. I spent about a year after school bagging groceries, restocking shelves and retrieving carts from the parking lot. It was a good first job for sure.
Who has influenced you most in your professional path/career?
My parents for sure. My mom was a neonatal nurse and my dad works in IT. I think that having parents who work in completely different fields help provide an interest in many things. I also think that my mom being a nurse provided perspective. While everyone has their hard days hearing about things my mom had to see on a day to day basis reminds you to be thankful for what you have. My parents also always supported and challenged me when it came to my professional path. I have worked in several different industries in my career and during that time my parents were my biggest support and cheered me on always
What’s your favorite part about working in the technology industry? What drew you to it?
My favorite part about working in technology is seeing change. I really enjoy seeing how our work makes a difference to people’s day to day work life. The problem solving aspect is important as well, people would not be looking for a change unless they were hoping to change for the better.
Looking back, what career advice would you tell your 18-year-old self?
I would tell myself to not be afraid to try new things and take leaps of faith. Change is hard for everyone but having self assurance and a strong support system can allow you to make changes for the better. Do not get complacent in your personal or professional life and always try and learn new things.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
I love being near a lake or really any large body of water. I like to swim, be on boats and other water sports. I also really enjoy movies new and old.
What do you enjoy most about your position at fusionSpan?
My favorite part about fusionSpan is the team. From my first day I have been welcomed with open arms. The team that I get to work with are especially open to work collaboratively and willing to help each other without question. Being able to be yourself brings a level of comfort within the team environment that allows us all to grow together.
