Career Roadmap
John's work combines: Design, Writing, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Brophy College Prep
Bachelor's Degree
Art/Art Studies, General
Arizona State University
Bachelor's Degree
French Language and Literature
Arizona State University
Graduate Degree
French Studies
Arizona State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Art Directors:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Art/Art Studies, General
Bachelor's Degree: French Language and Literature
Graduate Degree: French Studies
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I majored in art and French because I had a passion for them.
2.
I got a job in France as a translator thanks to contacts I made as an undergrad.
3.
I returned to the U.S. and fulfilled family obligations while earning a Masters in French.
4.
I wrote a scholarly article about French literature that was published in an academic journal.
5.
I found a position writing marketing copy since I had cultivated demonstrable writing skills.
6.
I was promoted to marketing director where I became responsible for the graphics team.
7.
I slowly took over more and more design projects and built a competitive portfolio.
8.
I earned a position as art director in a corporate design department. Mission accomplished!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
Majoring in French and art is impractical. You might as well get a degree in starving because you'll never earn a living. You're too old to switch careers. You don't have the right educational credentials. You're not competitive against recent graduates.
How I responded:
Get out of your own way and have confidence in your abilities. NOTHING is impossible! Use meditation, visualization, counseling or whatever other resources you find valuable to quell anxiety and self-doubt. Create a praise file where you keep emails, letters etc. from people that highlight your skills and accomplishments, professional and otherwise. Include notes you make of kind things people have said about you. Go through your praise file frequently to remind yourself of your value.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My father committed suicide leaving my mother with $1 million of debt. I spent ten years helping her recover while peers advanced professionally. Doubts about my age made it scary, but I found the courage to finally begin establishing my career.