TJ Kinion
LearningFuze
Irvine, CA USA
"Too often people look at passions and jobs as needing to line up perfectly. Instead, try to find roles or companies that might incorporate your passion, but not be obvious."
Career Roadmap
TJ's work combines: Technology, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
St Francis CCCHS
Bachelor's Degree
Business Administration and Management, General
Boston College
Certification
Computer Programming/Programmer, General
LearningFuze
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Program Manager:
Bachelor's Degree: Business Administration and Management, General
Certification: Computer Programming/Programmer, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Graduated from Boston College with a degree in Marketing and Finance, but moved to Denver to help run a music venue.
2.
Looking for a change, I moved to Nashville without a job and didn't realize how tough the job search process would be.
3.
While in Nashville, I was asked by my company to move up to Toronto and help open the first international office for a billion-dollar company.
4.
After realizing that I was no longer happy in my role, being challenged, nor aligned with the company values, I quit with plans to travel instead of jumping into another job.
5.
While traveling, a friend and I had an app idea that ended up leading me to take programming classes at LearningFuze and fall in love with coding.
6.
After finishing the LearningFuze program I was asked to help with their Career Services which was not something that had even crossed my mind.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Friends:
That I should chase the money, stay close to home or where you went to school, and that computer programming was for engineering-types. Luckily much of the discouragement didn't go so far as to say, "You can't do it", but was, "Are you sure about this?"
How I responded:
Many people say, "do something you love and you will never work a day in your life." While that may not be easy for everyone it doesn't mean you should completely give up on your passions. Too often people look at passions and jobs as needing to line up perfectly. Instead try to find roles or companies that might incorporate your passion but not be obvious. My title is "Program Manager" but my responsibilities include; coaching, partnering with leading tech companies, and so many more things.