Tania Carnegie, National Director of Community Leadership at KPMG LLP
Born in Welland, Ont., Ms. Carnegie, 36, received her bachelor of science at the University of Western Ontario and her master of business administration at the University of Toronto. Recruited right out of U of T by KPMG, one of the world's leading accounting firms, she is now responsible for the firm's corporate social responsibility strategy. She develops and implements programs to support employee volunteerism, identifies strategic philanthropic initiatives and finds ways to reduce the firm's environmental footprint. It's a new position, designed with her input.
She began her dream job a year ago.
When did it become clear that this job was what you wanted to do?
In 2007, my husband and I travelled to rural Kenya for two weeks with Free the Children's Craig and Marc Kielburger. My husband and I had been involved with Free the Children for some time, and we wanted to travel there to understand the need more fully. It was during this time that I really realized the positive impact that each one of us can have if we connect with the community. The people that we met were so responsible and generous and wise, and they have the most intense sense of community and hope. I rethought and redefined success for myself, and I thought about what a potential career path could be.
What made your dream job come true?
When I came back from Kenya, I started having conversations with people at the firm. I made a business case for why such a job would be good for the firm. KPMG values its relationship with communities across Canada. We wanted to have a decentralized strategy, so it's about going out and understanding the issues and developing the best ways to engage.
How did you navigate the issue many women face of getting what you want without crossing over into that negative stereotype of being too pushy?
The way I've thought about it is just having open conversations with people and trusting your colleagues. What advice would you give to others about pursuing their dream job? It starts with identifying your passion, then be patient, and be committed.
Is there any downside to having the perfect job?
There is so much opportunity and there are so many things to be done that it's really a matter of taking small steps every day.
Is this how you would have envisioned your career when you graduated from university?
It's so different. When I started, I couldn't have imagined the journey I may have taken.
