Career Roadmap
Sandra's work combines: Writing, Journalism, and Communicating / Sharing Stories
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Juneau-Douglas High School
Bachelor's Degree
English/Language Arts Teacher Education
Western Washington University
Graduate Degree
Fine/Studio Arts, General
University of Texas at Austin
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Editors:
Bachelor's Degree: English/Language Arts Teacher Education
Graduate Degree: Fine/Studio Arts, General
Vocational: Printing Press Operator
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Didn't go to college right out of high school. Worked in an office instead.
2.
Decided to attend local university and study chemistry.
3.
Dropped out of college to travel.
4.
Lived in Costa Rica, married and had a child.
5.
Moved back to the States, built a house, divorced, worked at a restaurant.
6.
Went back to school: community college, then university, then won a fellowship for graduate school. Moved across the country.
7.
Worked as an editor at a university, freelancing for a university press using the Spanish I learned in Costa Rica and in my undergrad and graduate programs. Then my office lost funding!
8.
I did an editorial fellowship at the university press and started my freelance business. Then I got a part-time job as an editor at the university. Best of both worlds!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
If you get an English degree, you'll have to be a teacher.
How I responded:
Keep writing and working on your editing skills. Take classes specifically geared toward the techniques and technology used in editing and indexing. Find a publisher and ask about internships, mentorships, or apprenticeships for editorial work.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I was a single mom when I decided to go back to school, and I started at the local community college to save money. Working full time, going to school, and raising a kiddo are tough to do simultaneously, but I'm so glad I did it!