The term “young professionals” is a term used to describe those marking the beginning of a career, often directly following graduation or the upon completion of a post-secondary training program. It is a time of life riddled with obstacles and first-time experiences. Pansy Johnson, a passionate banking professional and advocate for other young people at the beginning of their careers, has already embarked on a promising career path and wants to help other young professionals do the same.
Johnson, who earned bachelor’s degrees in public relations and marketing from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, graduated in 2020, and when the world was eerily unpredictable, she found her footing. In June, Johnson accepted her first position with Arvest Bank as a division intern.
With a grandmother who had a long career in banking, Johnson was familiar with the industry, but at the beginning of her own career in the industry, she found her true passion.
“I was able to learn all about banking during that time and really got to dive deeper into that world. I was able to truly understand the different departments of banking, from human resources and marketing to property management, mortgage lending, commercial lending and retail banking,” Johnson said, adding that the hands-on experience allowed her to explore her interests.
During the summer, Johnson applied to and was offered a full-time role with Arvest in property management, where she would begin to work as an administrative assistant. This full-time role came at an ideal time and brought her yet another set of skills that have helped her in her current position as a treasury-management sales specialist, where she supports an advisor in the Tulsa, Okla., and Bartlesville, Okla., areas.
In Johnson’s eyes, the last three years have flown by quickly, but the most important lessons she has learned through being a young professional can be encapsulated by one piece of solid advice: Find a mentor.
“I was taught that having a mentor early on is essential. Having someone who will advocate for you and be intentional about your professional goals is extremely helpful, as is having someone who knows your value and has confidence in your capabilities,” Johnson said.
Being a new kid on the block certainly comes with its challenges. Johnson said the most important way to overcome these barriers is through self-confidence.
“One of my mentors advised me very early in my career to always have confidence in myself, because your individual value is really only as strong as you believe it is,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful for my mentors because they’ve been so intentional with me during my journey of career growth and networking and have helped to pour into me with their expertise and their knowledge. They’ve really pushed me to grow as a professional and not shy away from challenges.”
In searching for ways to expand her skill set, Johnson prides herself in the ability to think outside of the box and has found herself encouraging other young professionals to do the same. Through mentorship and experience, Johnson learned that many professions are watching for the longevity of business, making professional development of utmost importance.
“Existing leaders think about who will replace them down the road and who will continue the success of the company. When you think of people who are growing in their careers, you can’t help but think about young professionals, specifically Gen Z and millennial professionals,” she said.
Johnson encourages those entering the workforce to seek out these opportunities, as well, because it has been extremely helpful for her to see people she can relate to in higher level roles. As she sees it, there are more opportunities now than ever before in organizations to create a culture of mentorship and continued development.
“People entering the workforce want to know that there will be some element of professional development and growth ahead so they can continue the legacy of success in whichever organization they are part of,” Johnson said. “I have had a wealth of both men and women who have truly poured into me in my career, and I have been so grateful for their wisdom and expertise,” Johnson said.
A self-professed highly ambitious person, Johnson found another passion in young professional advocacy because it has meant so much for her own success.
“I really started pouring into other young professionals and advocating for them because I was thankful to be poured into when I began my career,” Johnson said. “I’ve been able to be in some big rooms with influential people because people advocated for me.”
One of the best opportunities Johnson found was the Arvest Next Level Leaders Program, where she learned useful career skills and advice from executive leaders, including CEO Tabi Lipscomb.
“The Arvest Next Level Leaders Program really encouraged me to keep my pace. My mentors helped me understand how your drive will push you further in your career and that active learning is one of the most important tools,” Johnson said. “As advice from our CEO, we were taught to never stop learning because there’s truly always something to be learned. Technology is continuing to evolve. Banking is evolving, so it’s so important to keep yourself up to date.”
In pursuit of furthering professional development for her peers in central Arkansas, Johnson has started her own business, PJMP Professional Development, an educational consulting firm based on the values of encouraging, educating and elevating young professionals. Through her organization, Johnson will be hosting a networking and panel event on Jan. 17 and has recently re-launched her podcast, It’s a YP Thing.
“I am aiming to continue spotlighting young professionals and to continue sharing my journey in hopes that it will help other young professionals as they embark on their own journeys,” Johnson said.
In her personal life, Johnson has always looked to her grandmother, Mary, who had a career in banking for 28 years. Johnson said she was always inspired by her grandmother’s work ethic and other attributes.
“It’s so surreal to me that I’m now working in banking because she had such a successful career in the same industry. She supports me in everything I do, in all of my visions and all of my goals. She’s always there to keep me uplifted and to challenge me to keep going,” Johnson said.
Another great skill she learned from her grandmother was the ability to serve the community well. Johnson, who is involved in several service initiatives local to the greater Little Rock area, has curated a strong desire to serve everyone she can. A proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chi Eta Omega chapter, Johnson is also involved in the Junior League of Little Rock.
In addition to her memberships in the above organizations, Johnson served the Little Rock Regional Chamber on behalf of Arvest as part of the minority enterprise development committee in 2022. During the same year, she was a panelist for Giving Tuesday with the Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative. In 2023, Johnson volunteered for the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, where she served on the social media committee, and served as a judge at Little Rock’s inaugural CapitalCon.
“I’ve always been very involved with my community, and I love serving Little Rock. I think it’s so important to pour into the state that I grew up in,” Johnson said.
Looking forward, Johnson said she is excited to continue with her career in banking and hopes to continue to advocate for young professionals, both in banking and in professional development.
