RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE - MEAGAN HILL

Describe your job in just under four sentences.

Student, Harvard Business School
www.linkedin.com/pub/meagan-hill/8/88b/670
Member of Six Nations of the Grand River

I’m currently taking a year off from Harvard Business School (HBS) to gain a better understanding of my career interests. Over the past year, I completed a 2014-summer internship with a real estate development company, and I’ve also been meeting with prospective employers about post-graduation career paths and working on founding an organization that will be called North American Native Opportunities (NANO). Lastly, to round out my free time I’ve been taking improv comedy classes and hope to complete the full program at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City.

Why did you start working in your industry?

Prior to attending HBS, I spent four years as an undergraduate at Harvard College. At Harvard, I was President of Harvard Student Agencies, which is a conglomerate of nine different businesses operating in tech, consumer products/services, retail, and marketing industries; and the largest student-run corporation in the world. After graduating from Harvard, I worked as an analyst at Morgan Stanley headquarters in New York City for two years. My group at Morgan Stanley was involved in commercial real estate lending. Even though I spent this past summer interning at a real estate development company in New York City, my interests are varied and I’ve selected positions for different reasons. What I enjoy most is the hands-on, operations-intensive nature of starting something from scratch in an entrepreneurial venture or in real estate development.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? What aspect makes you learn the most while on the job?

 At the moment, I’m enjoying the flexibility that being your own boss allows, however I do miss the comradery that working with a team provides. The jobs I have enjoyed most have included the following aspects: projects that people care about and that make a difference globally; a manager that cares about my personal and professional growth; and a team comprised of smart people who challenge me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 I hope to have a career that provides meaning to my life. I know that I have the passion, dedication and selflessness to be a person who helps improve the lives of other people. Finding a career where I can utilize these attributes will bring the most joy and meaning to my life. I also hope to be a kind, honest and forgiving daughter, sister, relative, partner and friend.

What does success look like to you?

 I recently finished a book titled, “How Will You Measure Your Life” by Clayton Christensen and his words have greatly influenced the way I think about success in my life. I highly recommend buying and reading this book. It’s not a standard ‘how to find happiness’ book. The assertion of this book is that the theories that describe how management works also explain a lot about what causes success and happiness in our families and within ourselves. Success, to me, is determining a statement of purpose that guides my life and dedicating resources (financial and time) to upholding this purpose.

What has been the most outstanding moment thus far in your career?

 The most outstanding moment in my career was admission to Harvard College. It changed my life. I am so thankful for the opportunities, lessons and friendships it provided.

Do you volunteer? If so, where and why is that important to you?

 Yes, I often volunteer at my church on Six Nations when I visit home. I volunteer because I am thankful for the support of my church community. Many of the members have seen me grow up and have shared my successes. I enjoy giving back and showing my gratitude.

Do you have any advice for other Indigenous professionals in Canada?

 Take time to figure out your life’s purpose – professionally and personally. In the long run, clarity about purpose will trump compensation, job titles, status, and work conditions. Keep an open mind, experiment with different opportunities, and continue to adjust to a strategy until you find what aligns most with your purpose.

What do you think is the most unique challenge for an Indigenous person in your industries?

 Lack of well-aligned mentors. I am fortunate that I have a handful of close friends who mentor and guide me on a regular basis but I’d love to connect with other Aboriginal professionals interested in similar fields. That’s one of the reasons why I joined IPAC!

What made you interested in joining the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada and why would you encourage others to join?

 Yes, yes, yes! Join. The power of the IPAC depends on the members. I joined because I want to know, assist and celebrate other Indigenous professionals. Ethnic groups are successful because they support each other and nurture up and coming members.