You're Doing What With Your Major?

 

 

Spotlight on UK Alumna Rachel Miller

Major:  MS Hospitality and Dietetic Administration 2008

Current Career:

I am a Registered Dietitian at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center since 2012.  I provide medical nutrition therapy and counseling to patients and families in the outpatient setting while they are going through and following up after cancer treatments.  This may include nutrition following surgery, diet during chemo and radiation therapy, helping someone maintain their weight and deal with treatment side effects, or connecting a patient with their nutrition needs at home.  I organize cooking demonstrations, provide monthly smoothie demonstrations for patients, families and staff, and maintain a nutrition blog on Markey’s website that focuses on nutritional needs and tackling side effects during and after cancer treatment. 

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

I received my undergraduate degree in dietetics at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2005 and then accepted an internship at the University of Kentucky, where I completed my Master’s degree in Hospitality and Dietetic Administration in 2008.  I have been a registered dietitian since 2007 and first began working at a long term care facility in Winchester, KY.  After four years I was presented with the wonderful opportunity to come back to UK as a dietitian with UK Healthcare to work with oncology.    

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My best boss and supervisor is someone who is supportive of my role as a dietitian and encourages me to challenge myself.  They make working feel like being an important part of a team and acknowledge me as a vital participant. I have been lucky to have several!

What do you do for networking and professional development?

I have recently been enjoying the lovely Alumni Association events!  I continue to attend nutrition conferences in and outside of the state where I am able to meet many fellow dietitians and healthcare professionals.  I enjoy participating in and supporting charity events through foundations that benefit those who have been affected by cancer as well as children in need.  I often meet new people in the community and am able to make meaningful connections.   

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Commitment!  It takes time and dedication to achieve goals in your career.  I never take any time or experience for granted, as the places you begin often prepare you for where you want to be. 

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

I would advise students and other alumni to stay motivated and remember that getting to where you want to be takes perseverance and getting out of your comfort zone.  Aim high, get yourself out there and take advantage of opportunities no matter how big or small they are perceived, as they may lead to something even bigger and better. 

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

I feel that once I began an internship and then a job, I wasn’t aware of how rewarding a career can really be.  It’s an amazing transition from being a student to being a professional and it makes all those long hours of studying and projects worthwhile!  I also have a better idea of the direction I want to go having been able to learn what’s out there. 

Favorite UK memory/class etc.:

My favorite UK memory is meeting my husband while in graduate school and the late nights in the graduate student lab, laughing and sharing life with some amazing people.  Lexington has become home!   

Rachel was also recently featured on UKNOW - Drink Your Health: Smoothie Demos Promote Good Nutrition for Cancer Patients

You're Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumna Emilee Coomes

Major:  Integrated Strategic Communications  Minor: Spanish

Current Career: Project manager of marketing and communications for The Speed Art Museum

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

It has been a winding road. Buckle your seatbelt, and let’s take a ride.

Right out of college I bought a one-way ticket to New York City. I landed with two suitcases, no job and a deadline: find work within one month. Two weeks after I arrived, I began working for Dentsu America, a Japanese advertising agency, where my head client was Toyota North America. After a busy and exciting year in advertising, I was itching for a change. It was time to leave the big city behind for a big chill.

My sister and I took 10 days to drive out to California where we worked for wineries and lived in a Sonoma cottage. We crushed grapes and stained our hands 12 hours a day, seven days a week for the entire harvest. After a busy fall, we headed back East, couch surfing across the Southern border. With California dreaming behind me, I spent a few months in Kentucky then headed to the beaches of Charleston, South Caroline for the summer. At Wild Dunes Resort, I managed the aquatic program teaching swim lessons and water aerobics with personally built clientele, while managing 17 interns for the summer program. After the summer, I stepped back into the wine world, but this time for the land of the Kiwis.

New Zealand came calling, and I answered. It was under the Kiwi sun that I worked a laborious and exciting harvest job in the Marlborough region of the South island. I was the only female American on the staff of over 50 employees. I spent most of my days testing samples and translating Spanish to the South American and European winemakers. It was one of the most liberating experiences.

Foreign grapes behind me, I arrived back in Charleston at the Wild Dunes Resort for another summer of managing and teaching. Summer passed, and I slipped on my cowboy boots for a freelance job in publicity for country music artists in Nashville, Tennessee. I freelanced for a year and worked from either music row in Nashville or in coffee shops across the USA. I took full advantage of my mobility and spent the duration of my yearlong contract travelling, at some points for several weeks at a time, striking the perfect balance between work and travel.  After my contract ended, and I was home from a few weeks traveling in New York, Europe, Nevada and Colorado, I received a phone call from The Speed Art Museum. 

I have been working with the museum for a year in February. Although our museum doors are closed during our expansion, we have opened a satellite space in the Louisville neighborhood, Nulu. We have rotating exhibitions, family art activities, gallery hours, parties, etc. I manage marketing projects that include writing copy for all press marketing materials, managing the ad buys, driving the creative process, securing public relations, while maintaining relationships with media, my vendors, museum members, etc. I work directly with the director of marketing for the museum and mange three interns in my department. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the art world and this museum!

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

I have been lucky to experience a plethora of amazing bosses but I have to say that currently my boss is an exceptional teacher, leader and friend. I continuously learn best practices from him in more areas than just marketing, professionalism and relationship cultivation. He trusts me to take leads on projects and manage aspects from start to finish.

What do you do for networking and professional development?

I keep my contacts abreast of my career, published work, neat trips, etc. and when I see their company in the news or hear something interesting about their industry I strike up a conversation. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but I do maintain relationships with individuals from a variety of industries and keep my connection genuine. A great example of effective networking for me has always been volunteering at special events in industries that I enjoy. When I first arrived in New York City, I reached out to the Advertising Women of New York because I had met members at a conference the year before and asked if I could volunteer in their office. In exchange for my time, I was welcomed to join a few of their events with leading advertising women in New York. It was at one of these events at the Chelsea Piers Driving Range that I hit the perfect drive, which resulted in several interviews.  I think that events that are called “Networking Events” are forced and feel contrived. 

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Grow it from grassroots. Start with some kind of goal in mind. “I want to be in the art world.” Then ask yourself, “In what capacity do I want to work in the art world, who do I know in this industry that I can talk with for advice, what city do I want to live in and what companies, institutes does that city offer in the art world?” From there start talking to everyone you know and make people aware of your career path, goals, and interests, but keep it a two way street. In return, express a genuine interest in other’s personal and professional objectives.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

Explore. Time is a thief so don’t waste it in a job you can’t tolerate. If you have vacation time, use it. Traveling makes you more interesting because it gives you confidence, provides unique experiences and a plethora of conversational topics. But be smart about it, just don’t up and quit. When I decided to leave my full-time job in New York, I had a plan and a goal. I wanted to explore the states by car with my sister and learn about wine, then take that experience and use it in some capacity. Understand that your degree has layers and multiple uses, and pair that mentality with a memorable personality.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

Real life can be just as fun as college if you let it. Adult spring breaks do exist.

Favorite UK memory/class etc.: 

My college memories all run together as one big sparkling moment in my life, full of amazing people, huge houses and tiny dorms, inspirational professors, cheap beer, tons of trips and athletic events. UK was one of the catalysts that led me to learn more about myself, the world and life.

           

You're Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumna - Dr. Amelia Brown Wilson

Click here to check out Dr. Amelia Brown Wilson’s Career Spotlight video!

Major:  Bachelor of Science in Family Studies in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (December 2003)

Current Career:  I serve as the Director of Agritourism in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, which is led by Commissioner James Comer.

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.
After graduating a semester early, I began as a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in Fayette County.  I learned about Cooperative Extension through a summer internship and enjoyed working with volunteers, as well as teaching life-skills.

While an Extension Agent, I pursued my master's degree in Agriculture, and my Doctorate in Higher Education. After earning my doctorate, I was appointed by James Comer to serve as the Director of Agritourism.

Describe your best boss/supervisor.
I have blessed with two wonderful supervisors.  Roger Sparrow was my District Supervisor in Cooperative Extension.  He was a wonderful mentor and someone who I learned a great deal from.
Kristen Branscum is my current supervisor.  She is such a motivator and encourages me to think outside of the box.  I think it is so important for a supervisor to trust an employee, as well as an employee to respect their supervisor.

What do you do for networking and professional development?
I enjoy meeting individuals through the UK Alumni Association.  I am also heavily involved with the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni board.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?
Never stop learning.  Every class that I took at UK, I learned something that I utilize on a daily basis.  Take every opportunity to meet with your professors outside of class.  They are excellent resources!

Favorite UK memory:
I was crowned UK Homecoming Queen in 2003.  The process was being nominated by an organization, chosen to participate in an interview, interview with a panel of staff, students, and alumni, and finally voting by the student body.  I was very involved while at UK and that truly helped me meet a diverse group of people.

You're Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumna Laura Minton

 Major:  Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (2000)

Current Career: I currently work as an International Sales Manager for one of the top global logistics providers based in Copenhagen, Denmark.  I focus on new business development and assist small to mid-size companies develop more efficient international supply chains.

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

Along with many others, it was a love of horses that drew me to Kentucky.  Thus, upon graduating, I had the opportunity to work for an equine nutrition company managing their international shipments.  Through connections in the Equine industry and experience gained, I was relocated to Los Angeles to manage an office for a reputable international horse transport company.  After several years of transporting horses internationally… from breeding stallions, to movie horses, US Equestrian team, and many notable others, I came to a turning point where a decision was made to keep horses as a hobby instead of a career.  With years of international logistics experience, and many connections that were made along the way, I easily transitioned into a sales profession for a leading international logistics provider.  Every new assignment in my professional career has allowed me to gain more valuable skills, knowledge, and connections, which have enabled me to continue professional growth in this ever changing job market.

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My best boss was a Regional Sales Manager I had some years back… his name was Jeff, and Jeff’s job was to make sure I was a successful at mine.  He was so much more than a manager, he was one of my many mentors I have met along my professional journey.  Jeff was a very positive and enthusiastic individual who taught me about the “wheel of life”. 

This wheel of life story was told to me once, but is something that will stick with me for a lifetime.  Basically Jeff explained that life is made of many facets (example: career, family, friends, relationships, etc).  Each facet of life is just like a spoke of a wheel.  ‘You’ are the center of that wheel and can control each spoke.  In order to make the wheel of life turn, each spoke must be the same length.  Hence you must put equal time and effort into each spoke.  As soon as one spoke gets too long or too short, the wheel will not turn smoothly.

What do you do for networking and professional development?

Networking is a must for building your own pipeline of contacts.  Residing in Southern California, there are many different professional networking organizations and functions to attend.  To name a few suggestions: your local UK Alumni club, Rotary, and National Association of Professional Women. 

One of my suggestions for professional development is Toastmasters International.  Many people associate Toastmasters with public speaking, but it is so much more than just speaking.  There are many leadership and life skills (both personal and professional) that you can learn from this organization.  Becoming a member several years ago to initially help with my sales, and this organization has proved so much more than what I ever expected.  It is highly recommended to find a chapter in your local area and be a guest at their meeting to learn more about how to get involved.  I wish someone gave me this advice when I just graduated college.

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

In my experience with job searching, my advice would be to network.  It’s more about Who you know then What you know.  Of course, you’ll need to be able to live up to your resume and experience… but it’s meeting that one person who can make a connection for you, open a door, or is willing to give you a chance.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

Advice I would give regarding careers is to never stop learning.  Knowledge is power and will make you marketable.  I learned this from my 92 year old mentor, friend, and fellow Toastmaster, who always keeps surprising me with the things she’s still accomplishing in life.  Take a class, get involved in an organization, learn a new skill… Never Stop Learning! 

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

If I had $1 for everything that I know now that I didn’t know as a student, I could retire!  J

Favorite UK memory/class etc.:

Going back to a previous answer of mine about meeting someone who will make a connection for you, open a door, or give you a chance… This person was Dr. Loys Mather (retired).

When I was first thinking about transferring to UK from a smaller college, Dr. Mather took time to meet with me and helped in setting up a plan to make my transfer to UK smooth and easy.  Thus I graduated from this great university!  I owe much thanks and appreciation to my old professor and advisor, Dr. Loys Mather, for taking the time that day to steer me in the right direction.

You’re Doing What With Your Major?

 

Spotlight on UK Alumnus John Henry

Major: Art

Current Career: Sculptor

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

Went to University of Kentucky 1961-62, transferred to School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduated in 1969 with honors. 

Professor of Sculpture at University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin and University of Chicago. 

Became an International Artist by 1990 exhibiting and in collections worldwide.

Did you have a mentor? If yes, how was this helpful for you?

Several mentors – Kenneth Campbell famous stone carver, showed me how to work.  Richard Hunt taught me the professional artist regimen.  Steve Urry gave me the principles of freedom to go beyond the boundaries. 

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My father when I worked for him as a teenager.

What do you do for networking and professional development?

Stay in touch with colleagues and clients who have become friends and supporters.  Networking is probably the most important activity which supports the career day by day.

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Have never looked for a job but have hired many.  Go first for a job that you know you can do successfully and then stretch out and work toward things that challenge your abilities. 

When going through the hiring process, what do you look for in a job candidate?

Straight forwardness and honesty, and of course, ability.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

There is no substitute for hard work and knowing everything possible about the career you intend to pursue.  Learn the language, the history, the players and the nuances of the matrix of the profession.  No matter how talented you might be don’t try to be a professional artist without having a strong foundation in art history and how the art world functions. 

You're Doing What With Your Major?

 Spotlight on UK Alumna Nicolle Fedor Griffin, AIA

Major:  Bachelor of Architecture, Minor in Art History

Current Career: Owner’s Representative, Senior Project and Construction Manager, Licensed Architect  (I am the only licensed female architect in the rural areas between San Diego, CA and Phoenix, AZ….a 300 mile stretch!)

Description of Career Path: Some people have a career strategy….I had a series of fortunate events kind of like in a chain reaction or a kinetic sculpture that worked well.  You could say my career path is like a Mythbusters experiment that shouldn’t have worked but did anyway.  I went from a small architectural firm in Oldham County in 1994 to a firm owned by another UK grad in Phoenix, Arizona.  From there I moved to the small border town (Yuma, AZ) in 1995 where my USMC fiancé was stationed.  I ran the architectural division of a medium sized civil engineering firm that had architectural, civil, environmental, geotechnical, and surveying services in-house.  My boss was elderly and in poor health so he told me he would do all of the design work and “you can do everything else”.  “Everything else” turned out to be the best thing that could have ever happened to me because it literally meant everything from marketing, fee preparation, design management and coordination, client meetings, to construction contract administration.  In 2006 I became a licensed architect but then decided to make a complete career change.  A construction management firm from Phoenix was awarded the contract to manage design and construction for 6 new libraries in Yuma.  I knew nobody from Phoenix wanted to move to Yuma so I sent the firm my resume and the rest is history.  2006-2009 I managed a $58 million library bond program and helped select and hire all of the architects and contractors, negotiating all of their contracts and managing all 6 projects.  2009-2011 thanks to the recession I commuted from Yuma to Irvine, California (230 miles one way).  I put 1,000 miles a week on my car but worked on projects for Southern California Edison and John Wayne Airport Expansion and loved every second of it, BUT…I hated being away from my family…so, in 2011 I left that job to return home and was hired by a competitor to be the Senior Construction Manager for the John M. Roll US Federal Courthouse project where I am currently.  After  we finish this project in 2013 who knows who I’ll be working for, or where, or on what project.  But following my career so far I know it will be exciting!

Favorite UK memory/class etc.: UK’s College of Architecture, now the College of Design, has a closed admission policy meaning you have to be admitted through an entrance exam.  I didn’t make it my 1^st try, so the 2^nd time when I took the exam and was notified that I had been admitted to the college was one of the proudest moments of my life, particularly since I knew I wanted to be an architect ever since I was about 14 years old. 

Class I wish I had taken at UK: There are several classes in hindsight now I wish I had taken including: marketing, business administration, accounting, and construction estimating/scheduling.  I also have a dream one day to create and teach a curriculum called “Managing Client Expectations.”

Future Dream Job: At this point in my career, my dream job would honestly be working for myself as a consultant to library districts around the country helping them plan future expansions, new libraries, etc.  Whole project planning and management, particularly for libraries, is my passion.  However, I simply most enjoy being able to get in on day one of planning a project and assisting an owner with that whole process.  Any job that allows me to assist them from planning thru execution is my dream job.  It gives me extreme satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment to be able to drive to different places and say “I was part of the team that planned, designed, and built that.”

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student: Learning to design a project is so much different from learning how to design it so it can actually be built.  There is still a deficit regarding that little nugget in the education for architects, and still particularly for, I have to say, women.  Little girls are still not as likely to be out in the shed helping daddy build or work on the car, so we have a lot of catching up to do with the boys when it comes to understanding how to build things.  Lego only just this year finally came out with a line of toys marketed specifically for girls.  Mattel only just last year created an architect Barbie.  You have to know how to build it in order to know how to design it, plain and simple.  The 1st thing I tell people about myself is that I was 21 years old when I found out a 2x4 is a “lie”.  (If you don’t get that last one, go ask a carpenter.)

Advice to others considering a job or career change: It’s one of the oldest clichés in the book, “do what you love doing”.  It’s the figuring out what that is and the getting there that’s the hard part, particularly in this economy.  Be tenacious without being annoying.  Listen more and speak less.  This is a good rule and tool for any career, particularly if you want to make a change and need to learn new skills.  I have also learned from experience that sometimes it’s the job we didn’t get offered or that we didn’t accept that leads us into an even better position.  Use everything you learn from and experience on what you’re doing currently to get you to the place where you want to be eventually!

Favorite books: Well my 6 year old has just found a passion for reading and is addicted to the children’s series called “The Adventures of Captain Underpants.”  That’s where I am most of the time, in the gutter anyway, so we’re devouring that series together this summer.  

Favorite blogs: I am more of a tomboy and enjoy target shooting and driving my car illegally fast without getting caught.  So I look for blogs about guns and cars.  My 2 favorites are Sass, Brass, N Bullets (http://sassbrassnbullets.com/), a shooting site for women (hence the sticker on my hardhat that says “Girls with Guns”), and http://www.challengertalk.com/, a site for Dodge Challenger owners.

You’re Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumna Anne Pennington

Major:  Equine Science and Management (2010)

Current Career: Registrar and Social Media Curator

Description of Career Path:

After graduation, I transitioned from a job teaching riding lessons to working as a part-time customer service and operations agent at Equibase, the racing information and statistics division of The Jockey Club.  After six months, I was promoted to a full-time quality control coordinator, managing and distributing racing data and part-time employees; I also got my first taste of website design and management working on the new Equibase site that premiered Spring 2011.  I worked my way through the hectic Triple Crown Season, learning to handle a busy corporate environment and teaching myself basic website and graphic design along the way.  When I made the move to Maryland in July 2011, I was hired (thanks to a contact at Equibase) by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, which also encompasses Maryland Million and the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred magazine.  Not only did they require a registrar with experience in data control for their state-bred programs, they recognized the need for someone who could navigate the realm of social networking. As such, my job description continues to evolve; I manage the website and social media, connect with thoroughbred farms and owners for social marketing, help organize events and develop new strategies to promote thoroughbred breeding and racing in Maryland.

Favorite UK memory/class etc.:

In 2009, I spent the summer studying grass as an intern for the UK Equine Initiative Pasture Evaluation.  Working with UK faculty and graduate students, I sampled for tall fescue toxicity, identified weeds and grasses, and provided pasture management techniques based on current forage research to farms. Not only did I get to spend some time on some beautiful horse farms, but the addition of forage knowledge I believe is a unique and useful skill.

Class I wish I had taken at UK:

I wish I had taken a graphic design class, because I think I would have fallen in love with it and changed my major (for the fourth time).  Then again, I’d probably still be in school.

           

Future Dream Job:

Working on my own farm, raising my own horses.  Cliché I know, but I didn’t grow up with my own horse, so it’s still a life-long dream.  Perhaps some graphic and web design freelancing on the side, when I’m not riding.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

Networking is important, but merely socializing isn’t always enough.  If you prove that you are willing to work hard and always strive to improve yourself and your work, people are going to remember you.

Advice to others considering a job or career change:

Don’t be afraid to seek out knowledge for yourself and don’t be limited by the curriculum provided to you in the classroom.  Seek out new, different experiences on your own.  Learning a somewhat related skill set (or completely unrelated in my case with web design) could prove instrumental in securing a future career.

Favorite books:

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg

Favorite blogs:

Currently obsessed with the Retired Racehorse Training Project, http://www.retiredracehorsetraining.org, which is proving that off-the-track thoroughbreds (OTTBs) can be inspiring and valuable in a second career.

You’re Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumnus Allan Barger

Major: Bachelor’s degree from Berea College, and master’s degrees from Duke University and the University of Kentucky (social work).

Current career: Research analyst at Prevention Research Institute

Brief description of career path: I hold an MSW degree and am using it in a somewhat unusual way. Rather than the typical, clinical, case management or other type of social work jobs, I am a research analyst (using the research skills learned in my degree program). I distill research findings down into evidence-based, manualized programs for people heading into trouble with alcohol and drugs.

I have 25 years of experience in the alcohol/drug field, having worked first as a community volunteer and then as a prevention specialist in a mental health center. Currently I am a research analyst/trainer with Prevention Research Institute reviewing research literature on marijuana, other drugs and their effects in the brain and on behavioral outcomes. I am a member of the Research Society on Alcoholism and the New York Academy of Sciences. I live in California but teach nationally to professionals in many systems interacting with alcohol/drug-using individuals, including campuses, mental health centers, juvenile justice, drug court, judicial colleges, prevention, treatment & DUI programs.

I am also currently involved in developing alcohol and drug prevention and intervention programs for soldiers in the U.S. Army. This work involves training other professionals and working to influence public policy to increase support for alcohol and drug professionals and their programs.

Favorite UK class or memory: My favorite class was a surprise because I thought I would hate it. It was a class on public policy. It opened my eyes to how much policy is impacting all of my work. While I, like many others, tended to denigrate “politicians,” they are in fact setting policy that changes how I get to do my job and they’re often doing it based on who talks to them and explains things most clearly. Most policy-makers are well-meaning individuals who want to help (within the constraints of time, finances and re-election where applicable). Social work swims in a sea of policy and the failure to recognize that made me sit on the sidelines instead of using my voice.

Classes I wish I had taken at UK or in college: I wish I had studied some journalism. I’m a decent writer, but the ability to investigate, report and influence public opinion seems crucial and I’m not as well-versed in it as I would like to be.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:
Lesson 1: Don’t be so certain you’re right.
Lesson 2: Things work out.

Advice to others considering a job or career change: Go with your interests and your strengths. Don’t be afraid to tackle something you don’t understand but find fascinating, but get some understanding first. Take the time and energy to teach yourself, look for mentors who are already doing what you want to do and follow your passion. Watch for doors to open and don’t get discouraged. Little doors often open the way to big changes if you walk through enough of them.

Anything else you would like to share that others may find interesting about your life/career path? I was a non-traditional student, meaning I finished my degree in mid-life. I completely re-started my career and my life at age 40.

You're Doing What With Your Major?

 

Spotlight on UK Alumna Michelle Harris

Major: BS Chemical Engineering (1994)

Current Career: Strategic Planner for Gresham, Smith and Partners

I am currently a strategic planner for a large architectural and engineering Firm headquartered in Nashville, TN.  I currently report to the Firm’s CEO, helping the management team develop their strategy to position the firm for success now and in the future.

Brief Description of Career Path:

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, I began my professional career in engineering consulting as a chemical engineer.  Through years of process engineering experience, I eventually transitioned into project management and senior level consultancy.  Along my journey, I learned quite a bit about strategy, which included identifying a strategy to save my job. I put my background in engineering to use in a different capacity; as manufacturing moved overseas, I found a place in the job market in site selection and economic development for manufacturing facilities overseas(working remotely from the states) and consulting communities on what kind of industry to attract as they began to lose manufacturing jobs locally.“Change is inevitable, and I realized I had to embrace it.” As the job market continued to transition, I continued to evolve professionally and continued to expand my network.  While reconnecting with colleagues and quite happy in my role as a consultant, I had no idea I was about to connect with individuals at Gresham, Smith and Partners who would give me the opportunity of a lifetime, to write my own job description!

Favorite UK memory/class:

Teaching UK 101 to freshman. I have always enjoyed giving back to others, especially where something so great had been given to me.  When I took UK101 as a Freshman it helped me understand the new world I was signing onto in college.  It connected me with peers and faculty that would help me all throughout my college education.  Being able to be a part of teaching the class and truly connecting with the apprehensions of some of the freshman gave me the opportunity to give back. 

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

Real world application! So many classes were so theoretical.  Even with a summer internship, many times the classes were not translated well enough into real world application.  In some cases I had been working years before I realized what I was supposed to be learning in the theoretical classes and more importantly, why I needed to learn it.

Advice to others considering a job or career change:

Change is inevitable. Embrace it.  Also, realize that in everything you do, you are creating an experience for yourself and for others whether it is for your clients, your supervisor, your peers or an interviewer.  Keep up with change, don’t grow stagnant in the role you are in and strive to create the most rewarding experience possible. If you are passionate about it, it makes good business sense (personally and professionally), continually monitor the situation around you and you may find an opportunity to give it a try.  One of the fastest growing elements of change to stay on top of is technological advancement and how it impacts us individually and the world we live in.