Elizabeth Cipres
Irvine Valley College
Irvine, CA USA
"Your work ethic will speak for itself and others will help you along the way. Be open to mentors and seek professionals in your selected field."
Career Roadmap
Elizabeth's work combines: Education, Law, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Westminster High School
Bachelor's Degree
Human Services, General
California State University, Fullerton
Graduate Degree
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
California State University, Fullerton
Doctorate
Educational Leadership and Administration, General
University of La Verne
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Dean, Counseling Services:
Bachelor's Degree: Human Services, General
Graduate Degree: Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
Doctorate: Educational Leadership and Administration, General
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I got into the EOPS program at my community college and I made friends.
2.
An EOPS peer counselor told me I had enough units to transfer and she helped me with my CSUF application.
3.
At CSU Fullerton, I got a part-time job doing student outreach. I became very familiar with the campus and support services.
4.
Upon graduation from CSUF, I was hired as a full-time outreach specialist. This was my first full-time job with benefits and I got my first business card.
5.
I got my first community college position as a Transfer Center Director at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA.
6.
I decided to pursue a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at the University of La Verne.
7.
Applied, interviewed, and accepted my first dean position at Monterey Peninsula College on the Central Coast.
8.
Accepted my third dean position at Irvine Valley College and I made my way back to Orange County. I was a dean in three community college districts and I increased my earning potential each time.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Friends:
Counselors do not make much money.
How I responded:
You can make a very good living providing counseling services and it is a skill that applies to a variety of professions.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I did not have anyone to ask if I was going in the right direction. When I first entered college I was not even sure I should be there. I felt isolated and unprepared the first semester.