Erin McCook
Erin McCook
Class Year
’16
Current home
Carpentersville, Ill.
Major(s)
Finance, Management
Current Position
Staff Financial Analyst at Allstate Insurance Company
Erin McCook graduated from Carthage in 2016 and now works at Allstate Insurance Company as a Staff Financial Analyst. In her role, she is responsible for supporting business partners through analysis of monthly results, forecast submissions, regional level planning, and ad hoc requests to support trends in the business environment.
During her time at Carthage, Ms. McCook enjoyed being a member of Alpha Chi Omega and her experience on the WWII J-Term study tour to Europe. In 2015, Ms. McCook participated in the SURE program, identifying bias in the labor market alongside economics professor Cassie Lau.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most about my career is knowing my team’s work is being used to drive important decisions within Allstate with the analysis that we provide. It’s nice to see how big an impact our hard work has on such a large corporation.”
How did Carthage prepare you?
“Participating in organizations such as Alpha Chi Omega, women’s water polo, and projects such as the SURE program really helped prepare me for life after Carthage. Being involved in numerous activities helped me improve my leadership, communication, analytical, and time-management skills.
“Professors Cassie Lau and Julie Dawson played an integral part in my success both at Carthage and after college. Whether I had a career question, test question, or homework question, they were always willing to help. Having professors who are willing to dedicate their time to help students succeed is invaluable and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from them.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“A big part of my job is being able to communicate effectively and efficiently with key leaders in our company. We have to send monthly reviews, give presentations, and provide insight into different shifts in business operations, so communication is extremely important. Carthage set me up for success in my job by providing me opportunities in small classroom settings to practice my communication skills and receive excellent feedback from experienced professors.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Some of my favorite memories from Carthage would be going on the WWII J-Term trip to Europe my senior year and participating in the SURE program. Carthage shaped me by giving me the opportunity to explore different paths of study and to meet some incredible people, both professors and classmates, along the way.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“I have four tips for Carthage students:
1. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. Be proactive with pushing yourself to learn new things and try out new experiences. Apply for that job you’ve had your eye on or run for executive board. New experiences and learnings help you grow and allow you to discover your strengths and weaknesses as well as what you are passionate about.
2. Take control of your career path. There are so many resources at Carthage that are there to help you succeed, but ultimately you have to drive your career in the direction you want it to go.
3. Be punctual; it will go a long way with employers and coworkers, regardless of the industry you pursue. If you are on time, people will respect you and think highly of you.
4. Get used to waking up and being prepared by 8 a.m. Work out, get coffee, whatever you have to do to prepare yourself for your workday.”