Work-life balance a plus for Headquarters analyst
After moving back home, this employee says she feels right at home.
Erica Lawrence is the Organizational Budget Analyst at College of the North Atlantic (CNA).
“I am a budget analyst for Corner Brook, Placentia and Carbonear. We ensure college spending is utilized effectively and appropriately for program delivery,” she said.
She says she finds her work refreshing and credits the friendship she has with her coworkers.
“I did not always know I wanted this career but now that I’m in it I can’t see myself doing anything else,” she said. “It’s fun, stimulating and at times challenging, which is something I require in my career. I work with amazing people; they truly help make my job so much better.”
Lawrence says CNA is a great place to be and has room for growth.
“I would recommend this field to anyone who is interested in budgeting, analyzing, and someone who enjoys a challenge. It’s a great place to work, there are so many opportunities for career development and growth, it truly is the best place to work.”
Born and raised in Stephenville, NL, she graduated from Memorial University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Business Administration.
“I started university studying Education at Mount Royal University. After some time in the program, I decided to pursue my Bachelor of Business as I thought my opportunities in Business were vast, and I was right. I then moved back to NL to finish my studies at Memorial University, I knew the school of business at MUN was highly recognized and a great program.”
Before moving back to Newfoundland, Lawrence spent some time in Alberta.
“I worked in Finance at the Fort McMurray, Alberta public School District. I loved it, I knew that I was meant to be in an educational organization,” she said. “I loved the atmosphere, the students, the hustle and bustle of it all.”
She says the pandemic and the birth of her son made her rethink her life in Alberta.
“I wanted a job that was closer to home and less of a commute! Then after months of COVID-19 and being away from family I really wanted to be closer to home,” she said. “I started looking at positions on the college website hoping that something would spark my interest. Then in February 2021 I saw a posting for a budget analyst position in Stephenville (Meant to be!) two years later, I can say It was the best decision for my son and I.”
She is also happy with the flexibility at CNA.
“I love my job and I love the people I work with and as a single mom the college is so understanding and flexible, which is so important to me,” she said. “I can work from home on days my son needs me, the work life balance here is amazing.”
Lawrence is also vice-president of the Bay St. George campus Social Committee.
“Starting the social committee up again has been awesome. Especially after covid, I am finally getting to interact with other people within the college and I’m learning about everyone.”
She is also an active volunteer with the local SPCA.
“I volunteer at the SPCA every week. I’ve fostered animals and volunteered while in university and I enjoy it and get such a sense of fulfillment,” she said. “I think it’s important to support our little community, big or small.”
When she is not working or volunteering, Lawrence enjoys spending time with her son, Cooper, as well as Peppa, a Boston Terrier, and Sawyer, her cat.
“I spend a lot of my time with family as they are the most important to me! I also enjoy working out and as busy as my life is I ensure to take the time to take care of myself too,” she said. “Wellness Wednesday helps me achieve this.”
For more information about careers at CNA, visit www.cna.nl.ca.
