Career Roadmap
Karen '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
Indiana University-Bloomington
Graduate Degree
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
Bachelor's Degree: Elementary Education and Teaching
Graduate Degree: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
In high school, I knew I wanted a job that helped others. I thought about being a nurse but after shadowing a family member- I decided to start focusing on education.
2.
Elementary education was my career path when I started college but I wish I had given myself the opportunity to explore all different age levels and jobs within education.
3.
I was an elementary teacher for 8 years, but early on I knew I wanted to advance my career by getting a master’s degree.
4.
I started my master’s in Reading Intervetion but quickly changed to counseling because I was so compelled to help the students I saw struggling with emotional and social problems.
5.
I worked full time and went to school in the evening for 3 full years to get my master’s degree.
6.
I was able to get a job as a school counselor and have loved every minute of it.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
People often said not to go into education because of tough media against teachers & counselors and a lack of funds.
How I responded:
I never questioned going into education and love it! Every day, every year is different. Negativity surrounds every job and you just have to stay positive, be confident in your decision to follow your career path, and continue to learn and grow.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I knew I wanted to be a counselor, which included needing a master’s degree and taking out loans. I had to (and still am) budgeting to pay my loans back.