Millenial On The Move
Life can certainly surprise us in major ways when we take our first steps towards a career. Sarah Peacock currently works as a loan officer at Bank of Madison, but her path towards this position was unexpected in different ways. After graduating with a degree in Community Health she was faced with one of the toughest periods for younger people in recent memory. “When I graduated it was during the recession and there were no jobs so I fell into banking by accident, I started as a teller, and then worked my way over to a different bank,” Peacock said.
What is your definition of success? Being Content and happy where you are. I think success has a broad meaning and can look different throughout the stages of life. Essential business philosophy: Spend time wisely and make time to serve and give back to your community. Looking back, what is the best piece of advice you would give to your 25 year old self? Spend more time connecting with people
Shortly before her graduation, Peacock worked at an internship for a helpline in Gwinnett county where she took phone calls from people seeking assistance after the recession evicted them from their homes. From there she decided that her chosen field may not be the one she pursues a full time career in.
If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you have to have with you? Cell Phone, sunscreen, and Coffee
“I realized I didn’t want to do much with my major and there wasn’t much to do at the time so I started working at this restaurant and managed it for a while, but then I decided I needed to do something else.”
Why did you choose the career you are in? I graduated during the recession and there were not many entry level jobs. I needed a job with health insurance and a credit union was hiring. I sort of fell into banking
Peacock was able to land her first position as a teller after a brief period working for a restaurant, and this allowed her to start a career in the field of insurance. In her current position as a loan officer she’s able to meet with real estate agents and builders to land clients and assess properties across the county. While it certainly isn’t what her undergraduate geared her towards, she has been able to cultivate experience and grow for different banks in the Eatonton area.
What is your life motto? I don’t know that I have a LIFE motto but something I hear in the back of my head each day “Don’t judge a book by its cover”
“I’m very content with my position right now, and I know in the next few years my kids will start sports (and other activities). I like going to work everyday so I need to know I have a job that can fit both these things in.” QUARTERLY 25
| SUMMER 2021
What was your first job? Babysitter
What is a goal you have yet to achieve? I have always wanted to complete a marathon. Knee injuries have set me back but I hope I can fulfill that goal one day. How do you keep a competitive edge? I can’t share my secrets….just kidding…staying involved in your community helps connect you with a wide variety of people.
