Allison Pennington
Project Associate
Greater Texas Foundation
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I worried about picking the "right" college, deciding between a small, less prestigious school with a great environment and a better-known school. I chose Option A, and it ended up working out fine.
I chose to spend a year getting my Master's right after undergrad. It made me better prepared to teach, but that was one year of experience and income postponed. Worth it-- but still tricky.
I poured my heart into teaching and loved it-- but it also stressed me out, and I wasn't as good at it as I wanted to be. It was very hard for me to leave my dream job for something new.
My next Master's program was very helpful and interesting-- but it opened up so many potential paths, I wasn't sure what my next step should be.
Right after graduation, I got engaged to my sweet husband, and we decided to stay in our small city-- which meant most of the types of jobs I'd thought I might want were not options.
I interviewed for a job I thought was a great fit, but I wasn't chosen. I ended up in a job that was less interesting to me.
I worked hard, made friends, and learned a lot in my job-- and in less than a year, a better-fitting opportunity came my way. I left my job on good terms and still stay in touch with my old team.
I haven't hit all my life goals yet, but I am continuing to learn, building relationships, and making a difference. I think less about finding my "dream job" and more about blooming where I'm planted.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Project Associate
My org grants funds to programs that help students complete college; I research and communicate to support our mission.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Writing
Helping People
Day to Day
My day depends on what projects need attention. I might spend the day reviewing recent news and reports, then finding ways to share the highlights through our website, social media, and briefs. Or, I might help my boss prepare for an event we're hosting by booking hotel rooms, writing up meeting agendas, and tracking RSVP's. Other days, I'm off at a conference or meeting with other people who work to support students. Every day is different, just like when I was a teacher.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
My job is kind of fuzzy, so I don't have specific advice. But one of the best things I've ever done is informational interviewing-- identify organizations and people who are doing things you think are cool. Get in touch with them and ask if you can talk with them for half an hour to learn more about their work. This is SUCH a great way to learn about your options, grow your network, and connect with opportunities!
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"I began my career as an elementary school teacher. Most people encouraged me, but I did have one HS counselor who said, "Your grades are so good-- why do you just want to be a teacher? Why not become a doctor?"-- implying teaching is not as valuable."
