In the working world, it’s crucial to keep connections close – sometimes even in the family. Thanks to her dad, cultural anthropology grad Shelley Packard is no longer studying people but networking with them in the business realm.

Anthropology major gone business-communications professional, Shelley Packard, attributes her ability to work well with people to her Biola education. Studying people from a Christian worldview gave her a positive attitude and was beneficial to her transition into professional society, she said.

“People will generally respond to you better in customer service if you are a genuine, good-natured person,” Packard said.

Being a good-natured person is advantageous, but it was the merging of character and connection that led Packard to employment. She was advised that the best jobs are found through those you already know, a principle she practices by working for her father, David Packard, CEO of Newport Asset Management Company. As a customer service representative and office secretary, she facilitates communication for trading foreign exchange money between the company’s investors and the foreign traders.

Fittingly, both Packard and an international trading company like this one depend on reliable networking.

“We can’t afford to take the risk of a client lying about their worth. It would hurt us and our relationships with the banks,” she said. “So much of networking is built on trust and communication.”

Despite the close family ties, Packard said she has experienced only positive feedback from company executives. She said she feels blessed to be securely employed in the midst of an unpredictable, tumultuous economy.

“Since jobs are so difficult to find, I’m perfectly happy making $12 an hour as a secretary for now, especially when I see people who were making more money than that unemployed,” she said.

Ten months in the job market have shown Packard the importance of degrees and experience. Although she loved studying anthropology and all the fields it encompasses, she now thinks a business degree would be more marketable for job interviews.

In terms of revenue and investment returns, Packard’s four years at Biola provided her valuable skills for professional success. As she continues to learn the inner workings of business, the challenge of being both respectful and personable in dealing with wealthy investors grows her in patience and kindness.

Less than a year ago, Packard’s “career” consisted of attending chapels and mission conferences and diligently studying in the Torrey Honors Institute. She now spends 40 hours a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., applying her skills and education in real-life situations. A typical day at the office begins as the computer screen brightens to life and the first pot of coffee brews. As soon as the phones start ringing, Packard is available to attend to clients’ needs through calls and e-mails. She is often responsible for tasks such as paying company bills and assisting clients with the process of setting up their Newport Asset Management accounts, as well as completing typical secretarial duties.

In the near future, Packard will begin training to do accounting for the company, which involves entering trade data into a computer to calculate revenue figures for investors. Her long-term goal is to be promoted to a trading position, which offers the stable income and flexible hours needed to raise a family.

Packard is confident that the volatile nature of multiple economies makes foreign exchange trading beneficial worldwide, and a stable career choice as well. She would advise all students on the brink of graduation to be mindful of the economy while perfecting their skills and gaining experience before the job hunt.

Overall, Packard feels appreciated and receives positive feedback from company executives and clients, motivating her to work hard. Depending on whom you ask, however, Packard’s employee value just might extend beyond her secretarial responsibilities.

“It’s just great how she never fails to do what I say when we’re at the office,” Packard’s dad said.