Career Roadmap
Denise's work combines: Writing, Technology, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Culpeper County High School
Bachelor's Degree
English Language and Literature, General
Mary Washington College
Graduate Degree
Women's Studies
George Washington University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Training & Development Managers:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Educational/Instructional Technology
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
First, I took a part-time job mapping hazardous waste sites during my grad studies.
2.
Then, I decided to design some job aids to help with new folks in my position. Next, I graduated.
3.
I couldn't decide what to do -I had loans! I read a book called "Do What You Are", & found "Designer."
4.
I interviewed and got my first Instructional Design job. I worked there for three years.
5.
Then, I took time off to raise my son. Six years later, I reentered the workforce.
6.
I worked as a government contractor, creating simulations and writing training for USCBP.
7.
I had two managers leave. I was promoted to Sr Consultant and a month later, started managing.
8.
My former manager called and told me of a management position that opened and she wanted to hire me.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I felt some internal pressure to be a teacher, most of my family are teachers, but I wanted to be in the corporate world and do something different. No one told me I couldn't. No one discouraged me. I was very lucky.
How I responded:
Most of my noise was internal, wondering if I could. I learned early to count my successes and lean on them when I faced something new. Creating a resume is a great way to see what you have done and what you can do. I sometimes read mine to get a lift on a bad day. Mostly, with any challenge in my life, I just plug on - one day at a time is a cliche, but it is my favorite because living in the moment keeps you from judging yourself or others. You are too caught up with doing to care.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I faced bullying everyday until I was in junior high -my mom taught there, so it stopped. It made me insecure. Once I finally embraced the things they made fun of as my uniqueness, I felt better. It has taken me a lot of my life to overcome.