Kymbria Brown
Amazon
Chicago, IL USA
"Do something today that your future self will thank you for later."
Career Roadmap
Kymbria's work combines: Business, Numbers, and Working with Others
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
A college degree is helpful if you want to work in management because it can give you the skills and knowledge to be successful. At Amazon, the type of degree doesn't really matter. I'd suggest picking a major that fits you best. Amazon also offers the option to start as a tier one associate and work your way up. This is still a good option because who better to lead associates than someone who was an associate themself? So, while I recommend a college degree, it's not necessarily a requirement.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Medical Assistant
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
When my daughter was born prematurely, I spent six months in the NICU and grew a huge appreciation for nurses and the medical field in general.
2.
I decided to go to school for medical assisting because I wanted to join the medical field, but didn’t think I had the patience for a longer educational path.
3.
I spent nine years as a medical assistant, but didn’t feel very passionate about the job.
4.
I decided to take a job as a seasonal associate with Amazon as a temporary solution while I figured out what I wanted to do long-term—I ended up loving the work and wanted to stay!
5.
Since starting with Amazon, I’ve been promoted five times, ultimately landing at my current position as an L6 operations manager.
6.
I’m also currently working on my bachelor’s degree—not necessarily to aid in my role now, but simply as a personal goal.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
You should have never left your former career. You should've had more patience and given it more time.
How I responded:
When I transitioned from my job as a medical assistant to an entry-level job with Amazon, I heard Noise from all directions telling me that I made a mistake. I just blocked it out. I knew this was was right for me. I was at a point in my former career where I physically felt unhappy. The way I feel at work now is entirely different. I'm excited and energetic. At the end of the day, you're the one who has to go to work every day, so you should be the one who decides if it's right for you or not.