Career Roadmap
Derek's work combines: Government, Business, and Communicating / Sharing Stories
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Harmony Magnet Academy
Bachelor's Degree
Political Science and Government, General
Point Loma Nazarene University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Director of Community & Government Relations:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Political Science and Government, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Went to a performing arts academy in high school.
2.
Started college as a sociology major because I wanted to be a high school guidance counselor.
3.
Realized that while I think it is a noble profession, counseling was not right for me.
4.
Changed to a political science major with hopes of working in local communities.
5.
Met my future wife who was extremely supportive of me following my dreams!
6.
My senior year in college I started working full time as a communication coordinator for PLNU.
7.
Graduated for PLNU and started a dream job working for the NOC Chamber!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
You don't come from a city where people are able to be successful working with government, there are not a lot of businesses to work with and you probably wouldn't be taken seriously anyway.
How I responded:
People can talk all they want, but in the end that is all it is, talk. Put your passions to use in guiding your journey and just smile and wave at those "talkers" that you pass by.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I grew up always being told "you will go to college" by my parents. The problem came when it was time to apply for schools and no one knew what I was supposed to do! I surrounded myself with some really impactful people that helped guide my journey.