Career Roadmap
Karen's work combines: Writing, Design, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Lakeside
Bachelor's Degree
English Language and Literature, General
Georgia State University
Graduate Degree
MBA
Robinson College of Business
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Human Resources Managers:
Bachelor's Degree: Business/Managerial Economics
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Starting at an agency at 16 as a girl Friday
2.
Leaving the agency side for client side
3.
Moving from Atlanta (where I'd lived my entire life) to New York, not knowing anyone there
4.
Being turned down for an innovation role because I didn't have an MBA, then promptly taking the GMAT
5.
Leaving client side for management consulting. Met some of the smartest people I know.
6.
Going back to client side so that I could move closer to family, a necessary move with older parents
7.
Striking out on my own as an innovation consultant at 49 years old. The journey continues!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Get a job with one company and stick with it, stop moving roles and companies so much.
How I responded:
I've changed jobs often, sometimes by choice, sometimes involuntarily. It's always landed me in better places, and given me opportunities to learn new skills and evolve as a professional. Don't be afraid of change, and if you're not happy in your work, change your work, or change your work place. Take control of your own career, don't let it just happen to you.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I didn't handle money well in my 20's, and I literally paid the price for about 8 years as I pulled myself out of debt. Learn all you can about money management, and keep in eye on the future.