Her Story
About Marie
I've been in my field for about 2 years as I transition into being a full-time communication specialist. My current title is Learning and Development Coordinator, which I've held for the past 3 years. I started my career in mathematics and data analysis, working as a data engineer for about two to three years. During COVID, I was laid off, and I sat within myself and figured out what I was good at and what I liked to do. I really leaned into my interpersonal skills, and that led me into being in rooms as a learning and development coordinator. From there, I realized I really like communications. I went back to school and got my master's in communications, even though I had an undergrad in mathematics and information systems - a complete 180-degree theme. This past year, I've done work for nonprofits and startup companies, doing blogs, press releases, helping people analyze where their information should be going, their target audiences, and really just being in rooms to help people greenlight certain projects and make sure they're getting the right information out to bring in the right people. My day-to-day involves continually growing and learning what new formats are out there, new programming, because technology is steadily moving fast, while trying to keep that human-to-human interface. I truly love AI and ChatGPT - it helps, but to a certain extent, you don't want to sound like a robot.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marie
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've been taught from plenty of mentors in different seasons of my life. One piece of advice was that there's not an opportunity, you create an opportunity for yourself. I've also been taught that if you don't know what you want to do, look up someone that has the dream job that you want, and see what they did, and go from there. My cheerleading coach from high school is one of my favorite people in the world - she was a mentor. And my advisor from college, I still call her to this day if I'm stressed out.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge right now is getting in the room. Going from data to communications, people look at me like, what are you doing with your life? I understand a lot of it today is automated - you're getting rejection letters at 1AM from the company that you applied for 2 months ago, and that's not a person. For me, it's really getting into the room and showcasing my skills, because my portfolio, my resume, cover letter, headshot - all those things look good. People have also told me that I look overqualified on paper, and I'm like, but I just need an opportunity, I need a chance. I feel like I'm selling myself most of the time, but I think that's the hardest thing right now. My day-to-day challenge is continually growing and learning what new formats are out there, new programming, because technology is steadily moving fast, while trying to figure out ways that help me but also keep that human-to-human interface. I truly believe we need to bring back that human element. I love AI and ChatGPT - it helps, but to a certain extent, you don't want to sound like a robot.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, communication, and being honest with yourself. I feel like that aligns with where you will be respect-wise and loyalty-wise. I also believe in showcasing interpersonal skills and bringing self-awareness, empathy, and humility back into the workforce. I feel like we're very robotic, so everywhere I go, I seem to click with the people - I'm a people person, relationship building for sure.
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