Patty Mason
Director of Content
Strada Education Network
Washington, DC USA
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
High School valedictorian; attended university thanks to scholarships, Pell Grants, student loans and MANY jobs.
Worked at university's daily newspaper -- real world experience + $ for rent + confirmation of career path.
1st professional job and a magnificent adventure! Environment reporter at Mexico City daily The News.
Environment reporter on US-Mexico border. Spanish language skills + Mexico experience leveraged every day.
Joined Associated Press: excellent on-the-job training & experience in Denver, New York, Indianapolis, Baltimore.
Back to newspapers: Baltimore, Houston, Washington, DC, but layoff resulted in career change. Still gathering and telling stories: National Archives, education technology company, education nonprofit.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Atwood High School, Atwood, KS
Atwood High School, Atwood, KS
Bachelor
B.A., Journalism & Mass Communications
Kansas State University
B.A., Journalism & Mass Communications
Kansas State University
Career
Director of Content
I communicate Strada's mission and work through storytelling about the real people we are trying to help.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Journalism
Education
Communicating / Sharing Stories
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Start gathering and telling stories in any format: print, digital, video, audio, Learn by doing, then share your work and be receptive to feedback. Aim for a first job where you can contribute immediately, make mistakes, and receive good coaching and mentoring to improve your work.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
B.A., Journalism & Mass Communications
B.A., Journalism & Mass Communications
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"Your job is being eliminated."
