Career Roadmap
Anna's work combines: Design, Education, and Problem Solving
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Portland State University
Graduate Degree
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
Carnegie Mellon University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Marketing Managers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Grew up in Montana, was pretty directionless and wild when I was young.
2.
Found a boss who believed in me and pushed me into marketing (hated it at first).
3.
Went to college part-time while working full-time (for 10 years!).
4.
Became the Marketing Manager at an architecture firm.
5.
Got laid off - felt really lost, became a marketing consultant.
6.
Graduated from undergrad with a degree in marketing (14 years after high school graduation).
7.
Went to grad school for management hoping to change management in creative industries.
8.
Finished grad school, then scored the dream job I never knew I was dreaming of.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
I had ideas that weren't the norm in my jobs that people would tell me I couldn't do. Instead, I realized that I should surround myself w/ people who would encourage me to experiment.
How I responded:
I found people who believed in me and gravitated toward them. I also was always looking for people who knew things or did things I thought were amazing and was fearless about asking them to get coffee with me. You'd be amazed at how willing some people are to share their experience with you. Not everyone will, but keep asking.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I've been unemployed a number of times, and I paid for all of my schooling out of my own pocket. Be thoughtful about your decisions and how they'll pay off. And make a point of learning about finance, it'll help a TON in both life and business!
I have ADD that's pretty severe. Meds can help, but building coping skills to help you organize is the best. For school, check out the book "Learning Outside the Lines".
I was a serious wild child in my teens and 20s. My lesson, the people you party with are not your friends. You need real friends and family to help you get through it. And you need to be willing to face the demons that made you an addict.