What’s it like to grow into a leadership role at Paycom? We sat down with Rebecca, a Team Leader of Software Development, to learn how she turned a major challenge into a defining opportunity that accelerated her career.
I’ve always been a self-motivated person. I like pushing myself and encouraging others to do the same. That drive comes from my parents: They both had accomplished corporate careers, and growing up, I saw the kind of work ethic and leadership it takes to succeed.
It’s also what drew me to Paycom. I was looking for a company that values growth, where I could challenge myself and contribute to something meaningful. I found that here, though the path wasn’t easy.
Building toward an opportunity
When I started at Oklahoma State University, I studied architecture. I liked it, but something didn’t feel quite right. During my first year, I realized I was more drawn to the technological side of the work than the design side, so I made a switch to computer science.
It was a big pivot, but the right one. I doubled down on my coursework and ended up graduating a semester early. I was excited, motivated and ready to start my career. But the job search didn’t go the way I expected.
Even with internship experience, networking and multiple rounds of applications, I didn’t hear anything back. It was a humbling moment; one that taught me early on that rejection isn’t always personal, and it doesn’t define your potential.
Eventually, I interviewed with Paycom. I didn’t have perfect answers for every question, but I stayed open, curious and prepared. I gained confidence as I advanced through the process, and I felt a real alignment between what I valued and what Paycom offered.
A crash course in leadership
I joined the cross-platform team as a Software Developer. Shortly after I started, it was just me and a new co-worker. Our team may have been small, but we were undeniably mighty.
We sought every opportunity to grow and develop. In doing so, we kept our momentum strong. I didn’t have all the answers, but I asked good questions, stayed engaged and kept things moving forward.
Now our team has tripled in size, and we’ve delivered more client-facing tools than I can count. That experience tempered me as both a developer and a leader. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to lead by example and how to build trust in moments of uncertainty.
Leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room. It means showing up consistently, creating space for others to grow and being someone your team can rely on, especially when things get tough.
Leading with purpose
For me, an ideal day at work is one where I get to be both strategic and hands-on. Most days, my team runs smoothly and works independently, but I really enjoy when I can mentor, solve problems or help connect the dots across projects.
One of my favorite parts of my job is engaging in thoughtful problem-solving. Whether we’re working through a tricky bug or responding to a broader departmental shift, I like stepping back, assessing the big picture and finding a solution that works. That kind of thinking — collaborative and intentional — is something Paycom strongly encourages.
Our team dynamic plays a big role in that, too. Across the team, four of us are based in Oklahoma City and two are based in Grapevine at our Texas Operations Center. Even with the distance, we’ve built a strong sense of connection and communication. I also appreciate the flexibility to travel between locations. It makes a difference when you can sit down face-to-face, even if it’s just occasionally.
Pushing past the comfort zone
I’ve always believed in setting ambitious goals, and Paycom gives me the support to pursue them. Whether I’m helping a teammate grow or navigating a tough technical challenge, I’m constantly learning, and that’s something I really value.
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that growth often starts where comfort ends. You don’t need to have everything figured out on Day 1. What matters is showing up, staying open and being willing to take the next step, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. The rest comes with time, support and a team that believes in you. And you’ll find it all at Paycom.
If you’re looking for opportunities to lead, learn and challenge yourself, apply today!
