Career Roadmap
Shannon's work combines: Education, Writing, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Carroll High School
Bachelor's Degree
Sociology, General
Indiana Universirty-Purdue University Fort Wayne
Bachelor's Degree
English Language and Literature, General
Indiana Universirty-Purdue University Fort Wayne
Graduate Degree
Rhetoric and Composition
Indiana Universirty-Purdue University Fort Wayne
Certification
Design and Visual Communications, General
Ivy Tech Community College - Central
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Marketing Managers:
Bachelor's Degree: Sociology, General
Bachelor's Degree: English Language and Literature, General
Graduate Degree: Rhetoric and Composition
Certification: Design and Visual Communications, General
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Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
One semester away from graduating, I decided to add a dual major in English because of my mentor, an English professor.
2.
I applied, and was accepted to, my English master's program.
3.
I applied to, and wasn't accepted to, highly competitive Ph.D. programs. I had to figure out a new plan.
4.
Time for a career change. I applied for AmeriCorps and moved to Indianapolis.
5.
Accepted a communications position.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
When I decided to add a dual major in English and concentrate in creative writing and poetry I often heard things like: "What will you do with an English degree," and "Why don't you pick something more practical?"
How I responded:
I tried as best as possible to block it out and focus on my passion. I surrounded myself with mentors, both professors and graduate students, who were encouraging of my writing and had heard similar things from their families. Sharing experiences with them certainly built a sense of camaraderie that got me through periods of discouragement. In addition to this, I tried to show my family the practical applications of my degree, which helped them understand and support my decision more.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Being a first-generation college student, I had to take ownership on my own path by reaching out to admissions counselors to get information and advice and scouring the internet. You have to be your own best advocate.