Maria Flynn
Jobs for the Future (JFF)
San Diego, CA USA
"Always believe in yourself. You have more ability than you even know."
Career Roadmap
Maria's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Be curious about your opportunities. Ask a lot of questions of your teachers, counselors, and your friends' parents. That's a great way to explore what kinds of opportunities are out there. Think about that drives you—what you're passionate about. What skills do you have that are unique to you? Consider the types of environments you like. Do you like working at a desk or would you rather be out around people? These are things that can help you figure out what paths may be best for you.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
International Relations and Affairs
Saint Joseph's University
Graduate Degree
Government Administration
University of Pennsylvania
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a President & CEO:
Bachelor's Degree: International Relations and Affairs
Graduate Degree: Government Administration
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up hearing about economic issues because my father worked for the Department of Labor in New Jersey and my mother was an administrative assistant for our local career and technical school.
2.
I decided to follow a similar path and earned my degree in international relations and affairs with a minor in economics from Saint Joseph’s University.
3.
After graduating from college, I started working for the US Department of Labor.
4.
While working at the US Department of Labor, I went back to school and earned my master’s of governmental administration.
5.
I worked my way up within the Department of Labor and held various high-level positions, all involving employment, training, and research.
6.
In 2007, I joined Jobs for the Future as vice president and later became senior vice president—I led the Building Economic Opportunity Group as well as JFF’s federal policy and advocacy strategies.
7.
I currently work as president and CEO of Jobs for the Future.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
I'm not sure about your vision. I don't think you have the ability to lead.
How I responded:
Throughout my journey, professional colleagues have at times doubted my vision or my ability to lead. My advice to others facing similar Noise is to not let people push you away from your goal. Stand in your beliefs and stand in your power. Be true to yourself. I've had to push the doubters aside and just keep going, and I advise others to do the same!