Tommy Preston
Boeing
North Charleston, SC USA
"One of the best lessons that I’ve learned in life is to really work hard and do the best job where you are, always recognizing that someone’s watching you. It’s going to be those people that are watching that are going to help take you to the next level."
Career Roadmap
Tommy's work combines: Law, Business, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science and Government, General
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Doctorate
Law
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Vice President of Ethics:
Bachelor's Degree: Political Science and Government, General
Doctorate: Law
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up in Clemson, South Carolina—growing up with a prominent university practically in my backyard really put the importance of education top of mind.
2.
I spent my summers working for my grandfather at his construction company, which taught me a lot about the value of hard work.
3.
I went to the University of South Carolina and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government followed by a law degree.
4.
After law school, I went on to practice law in Columbia, South Carolina, working on corporate issues for clients like Boeing.
5.
A few years later, Boeing actually presented me with an opportunity to work with them internally—I joined Boeing as the director of national strategy and engagement.
6.
I spent six years learning and growing in that position before being promoted to my current position as vice president of ethics.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
You're not going to be successful.
How I responded:
We've all had people in our lives who have told us that we're not going to be successful or we're not going to achieve something. You just have to brush those people off and realize that it's not other people's perceptions of you that define you—you define yourself. Your success hinges on how hard you're willing to work. Surround yourself with positive people who will help lift you up, not people who are going to hold you back and keep you down.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I'm the first in my family to graduate from a four-year college. I'm a big believer in having many mentors for ample support, especially through new or challenging experiences.