Mosaic Reflections

One Woman’s Professional Journey

by Judy Trotter McAfee

Up until now, I hadn’t spend much time reflecting on my 40-year professional journey: how I ended up in positions or industries, how long (or briefly) I stayed there, and what was the key factor in getting there or jumping off from there (wherever "there" happened to be).

I’m convinced that most of us don’t end up where we thought we were headed: often, we particularly don’t end where we thought a college major (or some other education or training) was supposed to take us. As a liberal arts college graduate, with a double degree in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology, it became clear early on that I would need a graduate degree in either field to get "gainful employment" (whatever that means). Oh, did I mention that I started college with a declared English major with a desire to teach?

My eclectic, post graduate career began in telecommunications, in two different states. It included survival of the AT&T breakup—remember that Justice Department decision that spun off Baby Bells as multiple regional companies? Fast forward to 2007: one of the cellular companies that was spawned from the breakup emerged, morphed, and has recently been "reborn" as the "New AT&T." Organizations are always morphing and changing directions; we should, too.

After leaving the telephone industry, and deciding I didn’t want to work for a major corporation that was reinventing itself, I subsequently worked for a federal contractor; a Port Authority; myself (a consulting firm), and a county government. Along the way, I was an Adjunct Instructor at a local university, and completed one year of law school. And there were marriages and children.

Upon reflection, I see that although these positions included public and private sector, ranged from small to Fortune 500 companies, involved business and academe, there really was a common thread that ran through all of these "jobs." As I mentor and talk with many people who are changing careers, I tell them that "you, too" can constantly learn, contribute, and then reinvent yourself to fit another venue.

We are all shape-shifters, but I have found a key in identifying transferable skills, soul-searching strengths and weaknesses, and deciding what I really want to include in my work—whatever that may be. When I did this, I opened worlds of possibilities in different arenas, ones I never would have considered. For example, there was the position as a federal contractor: I had a few skills that transcended sectors and industries--supervisory and management experience in developing people and an ability to work with contract language. I also knew that whatever position(s) I applied for, I wanted to include a teaching and training component. You see the "teacher" thought had remained there since College Year One-- subconsciously?

Your transferable skills may be totally different, but take the time to identify and name them. See where that takes you.

As I prepare to retire from a "career" (which is really a series of different things), I am still identifying "what I want to be when I grow up." I know that it will include teaching, and it will include developing people. And I will have fun along the continuing journey.

About the Author

Trotter-McAfee has been employed the past three years as the Diversity Manager for Clackamas County, in Oregon. Other experience includes management positions with the Port of Portland, two telephone companies and a Federal contractor, and owning her own business where she offered management training and business planning. Planning her "retirement" in September, she intends to travel, do some consulting work, and continue to grow her Mary Kay business. Ms. Trotter-McAfee can be reached at trotter@ccwebster.net

Post your comments or reflections on your professional journey

Comments

[Nena Enyinwa]

Thanks for sharing your personal journey, as a middle career woman trying to make my next move, the article provided me with much needed insight and encouragement that what ever is out there for me may not be what Im looking for or expect but its all going to take you to a step closer to your goal. I also discerned the constant need to continue to educate myself, whether is academically, on the job training or volunteering somewhere, knowledge is power. Thanks again

[Tonya P.]

There are many aspects of your reflection that I relate to Judy. While currently I don't have even half the extensive career you've achieved, I wholeheartedly agree with you that a person, particularly a driven woman, must be willing to take a risk and consider jumping into a new opportunity when it presents itself. Too often we can put ourselves in a box based on what we studied in college ages ago, or told our friends and families for years we were working to become. Yet, as you say, sometimes life throws us a curveball. Then do you duck or jump up to catch it? I intend to take your advice to heart about being as best prepared as possible to see career change as a positive opportunity with both eyes open.