Erika Wetterlin (IE’15) charts her own course to professional success
It was a running joke growing up that I learned the Purdue fight song before my ABCs. I spent Saturdays getting up early to tailgate before watching Drew Brees throw another winning touchdown. I’m a third generation Boilermaker, so my parents raised me to believe I could do anything I wanted with the help of hard work and a little grit — ideals that have served me well on my path to entrepreneurship.
Between photographing my first wedding my sophomore year of high school, baking cakes, and then attending and eventually being a counselor for the Purdue Entrepreneurship Academy, I wasn’t a stranger to the idea.
When it came time to choose a major, I had no shortage of ideas for what I wanted to do, but entrepreneurship seemed like too big of a risk to take at 17. Two other women, both of whom held engineering degrees from Purdue, encouraged me to pursue industrial engineering because of its versatility and my love for systems and problem solving.
Hello Corporate World
With my new degree and passion for industry, I decided to see what a corporate career would hold. So, I took an engineering position and continued photography on the side.
I am so thankful for my years of corporate engineering work. When I was hired, I was the only woman in the engineering department, which brought along a unique set of challenges. I could deploy all the lessons I’d learned at Purdue in new situations. The outcomes of those circumstances garnered me quick advancement.
However, in the back of my mind, I always held onto the idea that I was going to run my own business. After some other life-changing circumstances, I asked myself, “Why put it off?” So, I decided to take the risk. Finally, and with much support, I put in my notice so that I could pursue photography. Leaving wasn’t easy. I had many opportunities presented to me trying to redirect me — alluring new salary numbers, flexible hours, etc.
I think one of the biggest hurdles in entrepreneurship — and maybe all of life — is learning not to care so deeply about others’ opinions. Leaving a company where I was advancing in my position and responsibility was not exactly the expected trajectory. Turning down a higher salary with more benefits made people raise their eyebrows. I was even scared to tell some of my friends from Purdue because I didn’t want them to think less of me or that I wasn’t good enough and couldn’t cut it as an engineer. I was especially glad for the people in my life who encouraged me to be courageous. All the tools I received at Purdue — the ability to be creative, think deeply, and solve problems — gave credence to their claim.
“Baby” Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship by definition is assuming risk. But when you know what and why you have to do something, the only option is to assume that risk; you embrace it and run forward, always continuing to learn and add to your skills and wisdom.
It’s been three years since I left the safety of my corporate career. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many of my college friends and engineering colleagues, traveling all over the country, and having my work featured in publications. There is still so much that I have to learn as I think of myself as a baby entrepreneur.
I often find myself reminiscing about the circumstances that set me on this trajectory in the first place. Each bump, mistake, and redirection were well worth it. And I’m sure in the years to come I’ll be saying the same.
This article is an offering of the Purdue Alumni Association for the Purdue Women’s Network.
The Purdue Women’s Network connects alumnae around the globe with opportunities to share their skills, knowledge, and leadership to uplift and inspire other women.