Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.
Went to college and grad school. Studied writing. Taught writing.
Published some of my writing.
Got a job as a reporter and editor.
Got a job in corporate communications in internal communications and then public relations.
For 4 years was a freelance writer, independent communications professional, and blogger.
Got a job as a digital content and social media manager.
Keep following my journey

Career

Social and Digital Content Manager

I manage social and digital content about the company's work in the community.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Writing
Communicating / Sharing Stories

Day to Day

I talk to my colleagues and partner organizations to gather stories about volunteer activities, nonprofit partnerships, events and announcements that might lead to great stories I can tell in social media and our digital channels. I write stories and curate photos and video that enhance them. I engage with our online audiences, answering questions and monitoring their responses. I also engage with our partners online to make sure we're supporting their mission and amplifying their messages.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for high school students

Read a lots of different things: books, magazines, blogs, social media. Be selective about what you read, especially online because there's a lot out there! Write as much as you can; it'll come more easily the more you do it. Make some of your writing public through social media, a blog, the student paper, or a writing group. You'll get feedback and be forced to have a point of view and decide on a few topics you want to become an expert in and write about a lot so you become known for them.

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Myself:

"You can't make money as a writer. If you study english you have to be a teacher. You can't have a real job and continue your creative writing / publishing."

Challenges I Overcame

Financial