Samantha Kozuch started as a consultant at GardaWorld Federal Services in human resources. Fast-forward three years and she has a successful career as a program controller in GardaWorld Federal Services’ finance department. 

  

I started at GardaWorld Federal Services in 2017 as a Human Resources Assistant. From the beginning, I knew this was the place for me. I could see that we were all part of a diverse and cultured team that works to solve complex problems. Everyone maintains a positive attitude towards our clients and mission. Everything we do is for a bigger purpose. GardaWorld Federal Services encouraged me to be myself and to never be afraid to take chances. 

 

Taking a chance in a brand new field

There have been so many opportunities that have been made available to me that I never knew were possible. After about a year of working in the HR department, I was offered a position in finance. At first, I was terrified, because I did not have a background in finance. However, after a lot of self-reflection and thought, I decided to take a chance and try something new. 

 

An opportunity to grow both personally and professionally 

I had mentors around me who believed in me and encouraged me to take the chance. I was able to bring a lot of new ideas to the team, such as new processes that have made our business more efficient. I am so grateful for the challenge and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. I now work as a program controller, tasked with optimizing our financial performance on contracts while maintaining operational excellence. 

This work requires constant monitoring and understanding of our business. This has led to my feeling invested not just in the success of the company, but in the success of each individual operation. 

 

The importance of believing in yourself, against the odds 

For as long as I can remember, I have always been self-driven. Being orphaned at a young age, I had to work hard for everything I have earned. I never took anything for granted. This has pushed me to never back down from a challenge and to always believe in myself, even when others did not think I could beat the odds. 

 

Skills that lend themselves to advancing a career 

My organizational, problem-solving, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills have all contributed to the advancements I have made in my career. During my time at GardaWorld Federal Services, these skills have all helped me to be flexible and willing to learn new things while keeping me grounded. I have worked to improve communication between myself and the staff out in the field, so that they feel supported in every way. 

My advice to anyone starting in a new field is to not be afraid to ask questions or bring up new ideas. Take a chance on new opportunities that are presented to you; you never know what you are capable of until you try it. 

 

See how you can build a successful career at GardaWorld Federal Services. View our job opportunities here.