Career Roadmap
Tarah's work combines: Writing, Education, and Communicating / Sharing Stories
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
George Washington High School
Bachelor's Degree
Mass Communication/Media Studies
University of Iowa
Graduate Degree
Strategic Studies, General
American University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists:
Bachelor's Degree: Mass Communication/Media Studies
Graduate Degree: Strategic Studies, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I knew I wanted to be a writer since I could hold a pen. But what kind of writer? I wasn't sure.
2.
I experimented with poetry, fiction, and nonfiction throughout high school. Decided on journalism.
3.
I pursued my journalism degree at Iowa, while also obtaining a creative writing certificate.
4.
Before I graduated, I didn't know if I wanted to be a journalist or a communications professional.
5.
Because of my internship at ACT, I landed a job working in internal communications.
6.
I liked my position in internal communications, but then a role in social media and PR opened up.
7.
I decided to take the leap, despite my lack of PR experience, and I'm so glad I did.
8.
I'm now going back to school for strategic communications in order to advance in the field of PR.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
You shouldn't waste your intelligence on journalism - go into a STEM field.
How I responded:
Don't let parents, teachers, or even friends dissuade you from pursuing the education or career path you are passionate about. You know what drives you better than anyone else - so take the leap and follow your dreams, no matter the naysayers. If you find that it wasn't the right choice, reorient yourself and move on. It's never too late to "change course" and take a new road that excites you. Keep growing, learning and having fun!