YCP@Work: Leah Clague, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Leah Clague graduated from York College in 2007 with a B.A in Business. She currently works as an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

What made you choose to pursue a degree in this field?

I took an Introduction to Business course at a local community college the summer before I started college, and I fell in love with the material and the idea of helping businesses continually grow and innovate.

Describe a typical day on the job.

Currently, I work as an attorney at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in one of the Business Management offices, which means I get to use my Business and Law degrees every day in new and interesting ways. I am responsible for fulfilling our statutory requirements to regulate and protect financial markets and investors, while also having the opportunity to innovate and find more efficient ways to collaborate.

How have you used your York College education since graduating?

The opportunity to work with small businesses while completing my degree helped me to build critical communication, collaboration, and innovation skills.

What is most challenging about a career in this field?

It can be challenging to balance innovation with fulfilling statutory requirements and, at times, a limited budget.

What do you like best about your career?

I have a great team I work with.

What advice would you have for a student who is just starting out in this major? 

Be open to a multitude of career paths—a degree in Business can lead to incredibly diverse and fulfilling career paths, but the soft skills gained in the classroom will suit whatever career you pursue.