Beverly Forbes
Interim Director of Career Development Services
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA USA
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I was accepted to Old Dominion University for my undergraduate education and was the first in my family to attend a higher education institution.
I obtained a job on campus, which changed my perspective about being a college student and allowed me to feel more connected and engaged with the student body.
I became the first professional staff advisor that was a non-faculty member and this changed my professional role and prompted my enrollment in graduate school as a counselor.
I had two young children and left ODU for six years in order to provide care and taught preschool during this time.
I returned to ODU as a full-time Engineering Career Coordinator with Career Development Services.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Ferguson High School
Ferguson High School
Graduate
Counseling
Old Dominion University
Counseling
Old Dominion University
Career
Interim Director of Career Development Services
I oversee operations of university career services including administration, budget, and staffing.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Engineering
Helping People
Day to Day
A typical day includes meetings, individual and group sessions with students, responding to requests and questions via email, and collaborating with colleagues and employers.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I recommend looking at educational options and being open to internships and field experiences through shadowing.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"Teachers do not make any money."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
First-Generation College Student
Work-Life Balance
Interviewed By
Sara
at ODU
