Career Roadmap
Allison's work combines: Education, Writing, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Elementary Education and Teaching
Florida College
Graduate Degree
Reading Teacher Education
Vanderbilt University
Graduate Degree
Public Policy Analysis, General
Texas A&M University
Graduate Degree
Public Policy Analysis, General
Texas A&M University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Project Associate:
Bachelor's Degree: Social Science Teacher Education
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8.
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.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages 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.
How I responded:
I will never regret being a teacher! I loved working with students, and every day was different. I still use the skills I learned as a teacher every single day. I am more confident, a better communicator, more organized, and more compassionate because of that experience. Finally, my four years in the classroom have driven everything I've done since then, because it made me want to find ways to support teachers and students from the outside.