Career Roadmap
Kristen's work combines: Education, Technology, and Helping People
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Marketing/Marketing Management, General
Miami University-Oxford
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists:
High School
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree: Business/Commerce, General
Graduate Degree: Development Economics and International Development
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Watched my hard working mom take care of her clients as I grew up.
2.
Played sports and liked a 'TEAM'. Fought to be on baseball team at 8 - only girl in the league.
3.
Thought why go to college? My family hadn't. Had parents and coaches convince me otherwise.
4.
Took service related jobs in high school and college to pay for college.
5.
Majored in Undecided. Then Accounting. Then Teaching for a hot minute before landing in Marketing.
6.
Took a Market research job out of college. Hated it.
7.
Decided to try sales at Hobsons. Didn't like sales but liked Hobsons, the clients and the products.
8.
Take care of 1200+ clients every day with a team of 54 people.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You are too bossy. You are short. You shouldn't go away to college. You should find a nice guy, get married and have a family.
How I responded:
I was a first generation college student and came from a small town where most of my family still lives and whom I am close with. The thought of 'going away' was tough for me and when you had others encouraging you to think about marriage and kids vs. education, independence and the possibilities that lie ahead weighed on me. Fortunately, I had teachers, coaches and my parents who instilled confidence in me. As for bossy... I'd prefer 'I am a leader.' As for being short... I outworked those taller.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My parents didn't have a ton of money growing up, though both worked really, really hard. We always lived within our means and they taught me how to manage money and work for all that I had. College was paid for by small scholarships and many loans.
In 2012, my husband and I lost our house and everything in it due to a fire. We were lucky to get ourselves, my daughter and dogs out alive. 2 days later, I gave birth to my son. Life throws you curve balls. 'Tough times never last, tough people do.'
I had many days in high school wondering if going to college was for me. I'm glad I had the courage inside to get outside my comfort zone. Work ethic paid off by graduating with honors and getting a decent job in 2002 (post 9/11 was not easy).