Sharon Smith
Senior Paralegal
Travelers
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
When I graduated from high school in 1980, I worked retail.
When I graduated from college, I found a job in mortgage banking in approx. 1983.
Eventually that field had problems in the late 80s and banks were shutting down. I went back to school and worked temporary jobs.
I received my legal secretary certificate and began working as a legal secretary in the early 90s.
I began working at Travelers in 2000, and in 2003 I was promoted to Paralegal and eventually to Senior Paralegal.
Education
High School
Pacific High School
Pacific High School
Bachelor
Associate of Arts Degree
San Bernardino Valley College
Associate of Arts Degree
San Bernardino Valley College
Career
Senior Paralegal
Paralegal work for Staff Counsel
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Law
Writing
Helping People
Day to Day
I perform a lot of computer work, research and assisting attorneys with everyday work while they perform the work that requires the law degree.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Accept a position close to what you are looking for but don't be too proud to accept an entry level position. Work hard and show initiative.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
BS
BS
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Because I didn't have a formal education when I was promoted to this position I told myself I wasn't as good as those who had the education. I had over 10 years of on the job training, however."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
