Kelsey Hutchinson
Moots Cycles
Steamboat Springs, CO USA
"If it brings you joy or sparks any kind of excitement in your life, just go do it."
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Kelsey's work combines: Engineering, Technology, and Building Things
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Welding is a male-dominated industry. When I first started out, I doubted if I was as qualified as the men in the field. You gain more confidence as you learn and gain experience though. Women can be just as qualified as men!
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Welding
Community College
Vocational
Mechanic
United Bicycle Institute
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
After graduating from high school, I decided I wanted to go into fashion and design, so I went to the Art Institute of Chicago to study fashion design.
2.
While in Chicago, I struggled with anorexia and had to move back home to Omaha, Nebraska.
3.
I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and studied fashion journalism.
4.
I worked for Nylon magazine, Elle magazine, and a radio station but realized that none of them were quite the right fit for me, so I decided to transition out of journalism.
5.
Graphic design seemed interesting to me so I decided to give it a try, but realized that I just did not enjoy sitting in front of a computer all day.
6.
I got a job at a bike shop and fell in love with bikes—I took a few bike-building classes and thought I’d maybe become a bike mechanic.
7.
I got my associate degree in welding and then went to the United Bicycle Institute.
8.
I completed a two week class at the United Bicycle Institute and then got my dream job as a welder at Moots Cycles.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
Am I even as qualified as the men in this industry?
How I responded:
Welding is a male-dominated industry. When I first started out, I doubted if I was as qualified as the men in the field. You gain more confidence as you learn and gain experience though. Women can be just as qualified as men!
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I struggled with an eating disorder when I first started college. I moved back home, got treatment, and was able to continue college in my home state.