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Drew Theological School student Carmen O’Shea T’23 left the corporate world to follow her calling

“The path I charted for so many years was no longer the right path for my future.”

June 2022 – Carmen O’Shea T’23 has worked in corporate finance and accounting for over 20 years. But something was missing. She felt drawn to her need to do more.

These thoughts have solidified during the pandemic. It was time for O’Shea to answer his call.

Enter Drew Theological School. O’Shea enrolled as a Master of Divinity student at Drew and found herself changing careers to become director of the Plateau Camp and Retreat Center in the Poconos Mountains.

Read on to learn more about O’Shea’s professional journey.

Can you describe your professional journey from insurance executive to director of the Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center?
I have worked in corporate finance and accounting for over 20 years. Even though it was incredibly difficult and I developed valuable communication and leadership skills, I still felt a pull towards something with a bigger purpose. I found myself thriving leading Girl Scouts and youth groups and being active in community service, church leadership and mission trips. In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, I found time to slow down the pace of my career as vice president of finance for the world’s largest property and insurance company. I stopped traveling abroad and going to Philadelphia every day. I found time to reflect, meditate and pray. Through this gift of time, I felt the assurance within me that the path I had charted for so many years was no longer the right path for my future. I listened carefully and recognized God’s call through that assurance. Doing good in the world and being a Christian disciple was no longer something I wanted to put “on the sidelines” of my career.

Unsure of my next steps, I applied to Drew and decided to discern this calling in seminary. Last year I became a candidate for the office of elder in The United Methodist Church and I continue to do so. But along the way, I came across a job posting for the Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center in the Pocono Mountains. I had been to this camp as a retreat guest a few years ago and loved the sacred space. As a child, I spent many weeks as a camper at various camps in Maryland and also led several family and youth retreats and Girl Scout trips during my adult years. I decided to apply without any formal experience, knowing that I had a heart and a passion for this type of ministry. I accepted the role and started in January 2022. I am fortunate to have a strong financial, business and leadership background to guide me through this transition. I am also fortunate to have a large community of supporters of this camp who have welcomed me and embraced the changes needed to make the center sustainable in a post-pandemic future.

How is Drew Theological School preparing you for this next chapter?
Drew opened my eyes to a community of people and a much broader context of faith and education than I had anticipated. I have just completed my second semester and feel that I have already grown in my understanding of biblical interpretation, other faith traditions, creation stewardship, and diversity within a faith group. I also liked that Drew’s community expanded beyond the greater New Jersey area. Being a primarily online student, I enjoy learning from students from other cultures.

What brought you to Drew?
As a United Methodist growing up in the Northeast, I knew Drew had a strong theology program. I know several Drew graduate pastors and mentors, all with a deep conviction for God’s love open to all. I support Drew’s progressive teachings and am proud to be part of a community of believers who advocate for justice and inclusion.