What I do: Deputy Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
How I got my job: I got a call from the Secretary of the agency. I had met her years ago as a volunteer. I was serving on a small non profit board and she had been on the board. Our paths crossed again while I was at the YWCA and she was at the Milwaukee Archdiocese as Director of Social Concerns. We lost touch again. One morning I go a phone call from her asking for my help. I thought she meant volunteer but she meant work.
How I used my education: I consider myself to be a late bloomer. I went back to college at age 30. I wanted to advance my career but knew that not having a degree would be the gatekeeper to advancement in addition to my race and gender. Work had provided me with practical knowledge; my education gave me the theories of management and communication. Now I was able to connect the dots between theory and real life. It also allowed me to develop my management and communication skills in a constructive environment. It also increased my confidence in my ability to get things done.
How I define career success: You are able to do what you want to do, do work well and be recognized for your work. Success is also the ability to transfer your skills and abilities from one position to another as you move through life. I have worked in corporate, been self employed, lead a non profit and now serve in government.
Tips from the field: Build relationships, get involved and give your best no matter what it is. Have fun, life is short. You don't want to look back on your life saying, "I should have.....I could have."
