Cathy Printon
VSAC-GEAR UP
Winooski, VT USA
"You've got to work at what you want. It's not going to fall in your lap so take the steps to make it happen and learn from what people have to offer you."
Career Roadmap
Cathy's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Colchester High School
Bachelor's Degree
Special Education and Teaching, General
Northern Vermont UniversityJohnson
Graduate Degree
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a School and Parent Partnership Coordinator:
Bachelor's Degree: Special Education and Teaching, General
Graduate Degree: College Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
My degree was in teaching. I didn't get a teaching job right away so I started on another path. I was a teacher's aid my first year. I didn't make much money and lived at home. Didn't love it.
2.
After that first year I used my training as a college DJ to get a job on the air which I did part-time while looking for a teaching job in Alaska. I was a switchboard operator and a DJ.
3.
These early trials allowed me to gain confidence and try new things. I then got a call from my alma mater to work as an Admission Counselor! That meant coming home and more travel opportunities!
4.
Working for the Admissions Department at NVU-Johnson was the best! I learned how to meet with families and students as they planned their education and advised them on the best college fit for them.
5.
During the Admissions years I also began working as the alumni director for my college. I had learned great relationship building skills and was asked to build up that program.
6.
Then it was time for graduate school. I learned through my other positions that I was really good at talking with people and helping them with their plans. I was very enthusiastic about college.
7.
I worked in higher education for several years, Admissions, Alumni, Student Activities, Campus Life, Residence Life, and became Dean of Students. All of these experiences brought me more joy!
8.
I was encouraged throughout college and my early career to speak up and share what I knew. That provided a platform for me to be innovative and creative with systems and productive programs.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
Are you sure you'll make enough money choosing education? Do you really think you're good at this?
How I responded:
One of the things I wish I had considered was, what else am I good at? What else do I really enjoy doing? I didn't spend a lot of time considering other options. My school counselor told me I should become a cosmetologist out of the blue. I didn't get the sense that they had much faith in me so I didn't have it in myself. The best advice I can give at this point is to trust yourself to dig deep at happiness, satisfaction, utilizing your skills and propels you. Have faith and work hard.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As a first generation college student I wasn't well informed of the options I had for career and college preparation. I didn't have anyone help me with a timeline of accomplishing required materials and financial forms.