I’m excited to share my first post-college profile with you, sharing the experiences, lessons, and challenges of individuals on their own post-college journey. And I’m delighted that for this first feature, I get to ask five questions (plus one) of my inspiring, adventurous, musical, outdoorsy cousin Chelsea, a Simmons University graduate. She has just finished her 20s and shared this look back on life and her career path so far.
Table of Contents
What is your current job, and how did you find it?
I am currently the Communications and Enrichment Program Coordinator at Breakwater Learning in Portland, ME. Breakwater is made up of a Toddler-8th grade Independent School and an Enrichment Center that serves Portland Public Elementary Schools, Breakwater School and other schools in the surrounding area. My communication efforts support both pillars of the organization, and I coordinate programming for the Enrichment Center, including after-school and school vacation camp programming.
This is my fifth year with the organization. After the previous educational non-profit I worked for closed, I was looking for an education or administrative-based position at a non-profit focused on outdoor, hands-on, and integrative learning. After lots of internet searching, I found a place less than two miles from where I was living at the time!
Were there any lessons or experiences in college that helped you land this role?
I spent most of my years at college as an Exercise Science major on track to enter the Physical Therapy program. After I switched my major to Environmental Science half way through my junior year (and still managed to graduate on time!) I was set on taking advantage of every opportunity I could. I had just worked a summer at a residential summer camp and was set on taking advantage of experiences in a variety of places. The Environmental Science program at my college was very interdisciplinary allowing me to focus on Environmental Science from many different angles. I had three very different internships – one focused on environmental policy and advocacy, a wetland ecology field work position, and an education position at a local aquarium.
Gaining a diverse range of experiences exposed me to a variety of career opportunities and gave me skills that I could apply to a variety of jobs. Although none of these experiences led me directly to where I am today, they did really help me gain public speaking and group presentation skills that have certainly helped me in every job I’ve had since graduating
What has been the most surprising thing about life after college?
Finding out that not everyone’s path is linear and that’s ok. Both of my parents are teachers and have been for their entire careers, and I have many friends who had a direct line between their degree and their career. I assumed my path would be just as linear (and presumably would have been if I stuck with my original career goal). Through working in a variety of roles after college as a summer camp counselor, outdoor environmental educator, and admissions coordinator at a semester school, I have met many other people who have obtained a variety of skills by working in a variety of job fields before landing or discovering their career.
Working seasonally immediately after college exposed me to a variety of people and taught me a lot about myself as a learner, educator, and person. Having room and board covered was also a great perk. I believe these work experiences made me better prepared for my life and career today.
What resources or advice have been helpful as you navigate your post-college journey?
Strangely enough, one of my favorite college professors told me that most people don’t use their Bachelor’s degree after graduating and to think outside the box. Although I didn’t really understand or appreciate this advice as a college student–especially at a private college where my student loans were going to be substantial–I now recognize what he meant. As a college student, I thought I would fail if I didn’t graduate and find a job directly related to my field, presumably in a lab, on a field team, or in environmental policy.
Now I realize although my current job isn’t directly related to my college degree, I know that the skills I learned in public speaking, creative problem solving, and environmental education led me exactly to where I am today – perhaps just not in a straight line. These skills grew and matured during my seasonal work and other positions post-college and led me to opportunities where I developed interests I never knew I had.
What is a current challenge that you’re working through or would like to tackle soon?
I’m still trying to figure out where I hope my current position leads me to in the future and what other skills I would like to gain in my current role.
Outside of work, I’m trying to continue learning. I have been studying American Sign Language for over a year and have enjoyed learning more about the language in addition to Deaf culture. Taking ASL classes has also taught me more about how essential and imperative full communication access is and how I take that for granted as a hearing person. While learning a new language and expanding the number of people I can fully communicate with, I hope also to educate others about communication access and be more aware of this practice in my personal and professional life.
And finally, the bonus question: what advice would you give your 22-year-old self?
Take advantage of every opportunity and adventure that interests you, and don’t spend too much time comparing yourself to others. – Apply to jobs or programs that interest you even if you don’t have every experience or qualification they are asking for (odds are the person who gets the job won’t have them either!)
A big thank you to Chelsea for sharing her journey. Be on the lookout for more post-college profiles in the coming months, in between the regular tips on career, adulting, and making meaning of your 20s. If you’re not already subscribed, please sign up for my newsletter so you won’t miss a post!
Do you know somebody (maybe even you), on their post-college journey who would be interested in sharing their story? Send me a note, and I’ll reach out!
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