Her Story
About Sydnye
Sydnye Doctor serves as Center Director at Sylvan Learning Center, a role she has held for two years. With six to seven years of professional experience, she has worked in human resources and held positions including assistant director and program coordinator at learning centers, always focusing on the administrative side of education rather than classroom teaching. She recently earned her MBA from an online school of business in June, building on an Early Childhood Certification she first obtained about four years ago and renewed last August. In her daily responsibilities, Doctor manages a staff of about twelve part-time instructors, handles enrollment and assessments for new students, schedules progress meetings with families every four to six weeks, oversees payroll, and ensures students meet short-term and long-term goals. She attributes her success to family satisfaction achieved by clearly explaining programs, setting and tracking goals, and celebrating student improvements such as better reading skills or reduced homework frustration. Doctor values transparency, honesty, and respect above all, advising young women entering the field to remain humble, accept critiques, and seek suggestions for improvement. She notes that the biggest challenges involve balancing family commitments and building trust in program recommendations, while the best career advice she received emphasizes taking tasks one step at a time and consistent follow-up.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sydnye
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would definitely say the satisfaction part. Making sure that my families are happy, explaining what the program offers well, and watching that student be successful at the end of that program. We set up short-term goals and long-term goals and I like to make sure I notate those well at the beginning so when I'm meeting with parents on a 4-week to 6-week basis I can reiterate those things and check off goals like seeing improvement in reading or reduced homework frustration.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
There's two things. The first thing would be taking things a step at a time. Don't try to put out every fire at one time because it's just impossible but do the best that you can. And then the second word of advice is follow-up. Follow-up is just always important. Don't let something fall through the cracks because you failed to follow up. Make sure you have that reminder so you don't forget about that person because these are people at the end of the day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Try your best to remain humble. I remember when I first started in my career I just thought I knew everything. Be willing to take critiques and always ask is there a better way to do this or do you have any suggestions. That way not only are you hearing what the person is saying you're also getting their advice about the next step.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the balancing act and making sure most families are satisfied. Sometimes it can get a little hairy when parents don't see the goal or don't have the scheduled commitment time or the price point can be a little scary. The overall commitment to the programs is the most challenging, getting that parent to understand what we offer and believe in us. It takes trust.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say transparency and honesty. That's very important to me and I think it's key to any successful relationship so that can be personal and it can be professional. I will also say respect. Respect is a big thing for me. I expect that from others and I also give it. Understanding the person's point of view and addressing them as such sets the tone for ongoing respect.
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