BTS Behind the Scenes is a chance to showcase the people who are making things happen at BTS and give you a “behind the scenes” look into their worlds. In this month’s feature we’ll meet Billing Accountant Patricia Rixse and talk career transitions, vintage Broncos, and what advice to give to your younger self.

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Can you share the story of your transition from engineering to finance? What motivated the shift?

Absolutely! In high school, I spent a few years taking Drafting/CAD courses. I learned a variety of skills from manual drafting by hand to AutoCAD drafting for mechanical drawings, with a little bit of architecture, civil engineering and 3D printing. I also helped mentor younger students in the STEM field who were interested in drafting. I went to college and got a job as an Administrative Assistant at a Civil Engineering firm while pursuing my Engineering degree. I figured it might be a good way to get my foot in the door and learn more about the industry. However, as I took on more tasks and billing, I noticed that finance flowed so naturally to me since my technical background already made me good at math. I was excelling in accounting, and this led me to change my major to finance, pursuing this path instead. My decision to change majors has been very rewarding, and I feel like I have grown so much professionally as a result. Having technical and professional knowledge has also allowed me to gain a broader perspective on situations.

We’ve heard you’re big into cars and car shows. Are you classic, import, stock, exotics? What’s your passion?

I am a huge Bronco fan and when I purchased my Bronco Sport, I had the opportunity to participate in the Bronco Off-Rodeo in Texas which was so cool! We got to take the big broncos on a two-day trek to do some serious off roading and see the vehicle’s full capabilities. I absolutely love the German car brands like Porsche, Audi & Mercedes, as well. I have always been fascinated by their design, engineering, and performance. I even traveled to Germany to visit their museums and learn more about their history. The Porsche Museum was by far my favorite!

How does your technical knowledge influence your decision-making process in finance, especially in GovCon?

As a perfectionist and someone who is extremely organized and detail-oriented, my technical engineering skills greatly influence my decision-making processes in my finance role. I am able to approach tasks with a critical and analytical mindset, carefully considering all possible outcomes and potential errors. I have a natural inclination towards accuracy, and I have a tendency to triple check everything I do to ensure it is error-free. I have a keen eye for detail, and this has greatly contributed to my success in my role in finance.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to professionals looking to pivot from a technical field to a business or financial role?

Some advice I’d give is first and foremost, never be afraid to take on new challenges and step out of your comfort zone. It’s through those challenges that you grow and develop as a professional. Remember to always bet on yourself and have confidence in your abilities, even when faced with unfamiliar territory. And most importantly, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, as this will only make you a stronger and more valuable asset in your new role. Never stop pushing yourself to be the best you can be. With dedication, hard work, and willingness to learn, no matter where you go, you will thrive in your new role!

What was it like coming onboard with BTS?

It was amazing coming on board with BTS! I’m truly blessed to be a part of such a great team with wonderful people. I think the biggest challenge for me was learning all the GovCon lingo, but I caught on pretty quickly! Everyone has been so helpful, which I really appreciate. I’m glad to be a part of the BTS family and I’m excited to see what the future has in store for us!

Ok, lightning round!

• Fav TV series right now: Definitely Ted Lasso. It’s a perfect blend of humor, heart, and positivity.
• Classic car you would most like to own: 1st generation Ford Bronco! It’s a timeless classic. I love to see the restored ones at car shows with all the new tech, it’s the perfect blend of vintage style and modern performance!
• Best concert you’ve ever been to: Thomas Rhett with Dan + Shay. When I saw them back in 2017, I had a meet and greet with Thomas Rhett and then got to see two of my favorite country artists perform together.
• Snack you need the most during the workday: Chocolate – always. Anything with a chocolate and peanut butter combo is basically my fuel for productivity. It’s not a snack; it’s a necessity!

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Tags: billing, features, patricia rixse