Ellin McDonough
Director of Career and Civic Engagement
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC USA
“Do not settle for being a cog in a wheel. Find opportunities to partner, train, develop, and innovate.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Graduated with a degree in Psychology, but did not know what I would do with it. So I went to graduate school.
In graduate school, interned with Mental Health, though was never fully confident. Started working there straight after graduate school. Lasted six months before quitting. Maybe do social work?
Took a job in which I trained foster parents to care for children who had medical and emotional difficulties. Hard work, and I was angry with the foster care system. Quit.
Took supervisor job for DSS at another county and was much happier with job. Liked being in a role where I had more control, and could mentor other social workers.
Adopted children and realized I could not work for DSS and parent effectively. Ran my own adoptions business for a while. Worried I would not be able to strike a work / life balance.
Never considered myself in education, but landed a job (networking) in which I teach students to explore social justice issues and support faculty / community partnerships. Wrote grants. Reports, Data.
Never felt more satisfied-working with people who share purpose. This is important for me. After 10 years, was asked to step in as Director for Career and Civic Engagement, was promoted permanently.
Have had to work really hard to get up to speed with Career Development / Workforce trends. I love learning so I did this rather quickly. I love my job!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Orangeburg Wilkinson High
Orangeburg Wilkinson High
Bachelor
Psychology
Winthrop University
Psychology
Winthrop University
Graduate
Master of Education, Counseling
Winthrop University
Master of Education, Counseling
Winthrop University
Career
Director of Career and Civic Engagement
By leading a team and developing programs, I help college students identify and prepare for a meaningful career
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Business
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I have a completely full schedule- lots of meetings. As Director, I am on numerous teams and committees on and off campus. Many of these are "think tank" meetings where we discuss university improvements / planning or workforce development. So every day, i have two or three meetings where I am meeting with committees, external partners, or staff. I spend a good bit of time at the computer developing reports. I also handle overflow career coaching appointments and career presentations..
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Do not settle for being a cog in a wheel. Find opportunities to partner, train, develop, and innovate. If you are in higher education, make sure you partner with the career services office. Additionally, obtain career related certifications. These positions are all about networking- a skill you will need to get the job, but also a skill you will use heavily in the position itself. So join workforce committees in your community, attend chamber events, etc.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Psychology
Psychology
Graduate
Master of Education, Counseling
Master of Education, Counseling
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"You will not make any money working for the state / There is a lot of turnover / Do you really want to listen to people's problems all day / Higher Ed is full of drama / Working the same place you graduated from is incestuous"
