Career Roadmap
Kay's work combines: Law, Writing, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Rolling Hills
Bachelor's Degree
B.A. Journalism/Political Science
California State University-Long Beach
Certification
Paralegal
UCLA Extension
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Paralegals & Legal Assistants:
Bachelor's Degree: B.A. Journalism/Political Science
Certification: Paralegal
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Getting two internships while I was in college distinguished me from other recent graduates and is the reason I got my first job in journalism.
2.
Deciding to specialize as a reporter covering courts was an important career path that I followed. I originally thought I'd cover politics but it turned out I hated it.
3.
Switching to TV news from newspapers was an important career decision. It broadened my work experience and writing for TV news actually improved my writing.
4.
I had hoped to go into management in TV news. It didn't happen so I left and worked in public relations for a long time, specializing in law firms and law schools.
5.
Social media happened, changing the field of public relations. It didn't interest me so because I've always loved law, I decided to go back to school to be a paralegal.
6.
Paralegal school was one of the best things I ever did. I loved it. Very different being in school in your 50s than in your 20s.
7.
Had two internships while in paralegal school. The second one became a paying job when I got my certificate. The attorneys really liked that I knew how to write. That was seven years ago.
8.
I work for the same attorney who hired me out of paralegal school. He likes my skills but I think he especially likes that I love learning about the law. I don't have to work; I do because I like it
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
I'd never be able to get a job in journalism.
How I responded:
I ignored the "noise" because I knew my father didn't know what he was talking about and I knew I was taking all the right steps to get a job when I graduated.