Career Roadmap
Reena's work combines: Education, Business, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Manalapan High School
Bachelor's Degree
Comparative Psychology
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Graduate Degree
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Education Administrators, Postsecondary:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Comparative Psychology
Graduate Degree: College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Earned my master's degree right after undergraduate.
2.
Took a job as a retail store manager (not quite what I wanted to do, but I didn't have experience).
3.
Learned as much as I could about customer service, managing people, monitoring/managing sales...etc.
4.
Earned an award in my region for being a top performer and got my own store. Got pregnant and moved.
5.
Went back to work and committed to my goal - to work at a college.
6.
Had a client in the store who was the Director of Admissions at a local college.
7.
She told me about an admissions counselor position after providing her with great customer service.
8.
After 6 months as a counselor I was promoted...19 years later I still work in and love admissions.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I have been fortunate to have supportive people in my life. I think the only person who ever doubted me was me - I was afraid I'd get stuck working in retail but I persisted.
How I responded:
I overcame the noise by wanting more for myself and my family. I did not want the life of always having to work holidays and weekends and be on my feet all day. I truly love higher education and got very clear about my goal which is why I spoke to people. Having a positive outlook and promoting other people was important for me. Get clear on your goals, be a positive role model no matter what you're doing, and keep persisting.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I was able to overcome seemingly insurmountable financial obstacles. I am the sole provider for myself and two children. Don't let financial woes bury you alive - it does NOT define who you are. Hard work and perseverance really do pay off.