Career Roadmap
Keely's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Terre Haute North Vigo
Bachelor's Degree
Music, General
DePauw University
Graduate Degree
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
University of Connecticut
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
Bachelor's Degree: Music, General
Graduate Degree: Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I declared a music major because it helped me pay for college!
2.
After my first year of school, I thought I wanted to work in arts administration (particularly arts education), and managed to get 3 internships in that field over the next few years.
3.
I graduated in 2009, right after the economy crashed, so there weren't many arts organizations hiring entry-level staff. I decided to focus on education more generally, not just arts education.
4.
I was offered a job at my university after graduation. The student job I worked all through college turned into a full time position working in college admissions.
5.
I enjoyed my work in college admissions, but knew that if I wanted to move up in higher education I would need a master's degree.
6.
I applied to master's programs at 4 different schools all across the country, It was expensive - application fees, taking the GRE, flights to interviews, etc.
7.
I got offers from 2 schools, but could really only afford one of them.
8.
I quit my paying job and moved across the country to become a full-time graduate student and start a new career!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
What are you going to do with a music degree?
How I responded:
I had confidence that my major didn't have to define my career path. If you are studying something you love, it will show. You will be more motivated, more creative, network more, complete internships and research opportunities....and those experiences will lead to more experiences. While I don't perform music as a profession, studying music early on kept me interested enough in the world around me to keep growing and exploring. Remember: your major doesn't get you a job, YOU get you a job!