Jeannie Alexander
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago, IL USA
"Utilize tomorrow—and the next day—to take an opportunity to do better than what you did the day before."
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Jeannie's work combines: Business, Government, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I recommend finding an internship. Internships are invaluable for gaining more specific insight into a career or industry. For example, you may know that you want to work in the transportation industry but you don't have a good understanding of what that means. Interning can help you decide if you want to specifically go into rail operations or finance or safety. Internships also help you learn how to work in professional environments in general.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
English Language and Literature, General
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Graduate Degree
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching
DePaul University
Certification
Transit Safety and Security Program
U.S. Department of Transportation
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up thinking that I eventually wanted to become a teacher.
2.
When I got to college, I tried majoring in accounting, but quickly realized I didn’t enjoy it; I switched my major and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English.
3.
During college, I got an internship with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which helped me gain full-time employment with CTA after I graduated.
4.
Starting as a project specialist, I worked my way up through positions like rail maintenance training specialist, administration manager for rail operations, and general manager of rail operations.
5.
While working as a general manager, I went back to school to earn a master’s degree in adult education—because it’s still one of my goals to incorporate teaching into my career!
6.
I continued working my way up with the Chicago Transit Authority to my current position now as vice president of rail station management.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
You don't have the right background or experience for these positions.
How I responded:
As I progressed to higher positions in my career with the Chicago Transit Authority, I heard a bit of Noise from people who didn't think I was right for the job based on my background. I don't have the typical background for someone working in transportation—I wasn't a bus or train operator. But I don't like to take no for an answer, especially when it comes to bettering myself and my career. I'll take "not right now," but I won't take "no."
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I did very poorly my freshman year of college and my grades really suffered. I was fortunate to have a mentor that recommended I seek help and resources from the school. Once I did that, my grades improved, I joined activities, and I found success.