Victoria Degen
Program Manager
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, USA (WWOOF-USA)
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Knew I wanted to work for a cause that helped others.
Majored in journalism because I loved writing.
Realized my true love was communicating and public speaking.
Started speaking on behalf of the non-profits and charities I volunteered for.
Graduated college and knew I wanted to work for a non-profit organization.
Took two months to travel across Europe with nothing more than my best friend & a backpack.
Came home with a newfound love of adventure, meeting people and traveling.
Connected with my mom's former student who ran a non-profit organization in my hometown.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
California State University-Fullerton
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
California State University-Fullerton
Career
Program Manager
I help organic farmers across the USA connect with volunteers and visitors.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Education
Helping People
Day to Day
My day mainly consists of communicating with our host farmers and volunteers around the world. Being able to help them link up and answer questions is my main focus. I also connect with our members around the world through our social media sites - sharing pictures and videos, stories, posting about upcoming events, etc. I do a little bit of everything with the ultimate goal of helping farmers and volunteers connect to have meaningful & educational experiences.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Be ready to face rejection but never let it keep you down. Know that if you work hard and stay positive, the right opportunity will open itself up to you. And if you want something bad enough, be persistent. If you don't get the position but you still want to work for the organization, keep in touch. Pursue other opportunities but don't let them forget about you. It took me four months and endless job applications to end up where I am now.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"You should do something that relates to your major. Since you majored in communications and PR, you should apply to public relations firms."
