The inspiring Panelists and their current areas of career focus:
- Alexis Croisdale, Content & Social Media Marketing Manager
- Hanada Ishaq, Language Translator
- Kasondra McCormick, Vice President of Operations
- Lizzy McNett, Author, Storyteller
- Hannah Willes, Research Analyst
Five PVCC Alumni were the featured panelists for the Culture and Society FOI Career Panel on March 2, 2022. They shared their insights on the following questions.
Was there a key moment in time that influenced you in your career path? If so, please share.
Hanada - Lots of moments influenced me. I volunteered at an organization for refugee resettlement and I was teaching ESL classes to refugees for the International Rescue Committee. That influenced me to change my major from Business. I took lots of cultural classes. I pursued a Business degree but was brought back to culture and society because I wanted to help people. Follow your interests, learn from your education and explore opportunities.
Alexis - I gained insight from internships. After my internship, I knew I wanted to move out of Arizona. During my internship with a company that had office locations nationwide, I talked to the Marketing Director and said I wanted to move and suggested they create a job for me. They hired me and I moved to Oregon. Have the confidence to speak up for yourself. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try.
What advice would you like to share for current students interested in Culture & Society related professions?
Hannah - Have an open mind; don’t feel like changing your mind is a failure. I fell in love with Philosophy. I thought I wanted to go to law school, but after attending a couple law classes and talking to lawyers, I realized I did not want to do that. It was really challenging to make the decision to veer from that. Keep an open mind. Don’t paint yourself into a corner too early, allow yourself to randomly sign up for a Philosophy class or change your mind about what you want to do.
Kasondra - Keep an open mind. It’s hard when you see family and friends in careers and you don’t know what you want to do. Start building new cultures, values and ideas. They may take you down another path, it’s okay if you don’t like it, be open to each chapter. What we might have grown up knowing is changing.
Lizzy - I love to make people’s dreams come true. I make sure that I am personable and helpful whether I’m getting paid or not. Your customers are people just like you and me. Customer service is everything these days. I started as a ghost writer and became a publisher. If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
There are many different career paths in the Culture & Society profession. How would you advise students on how to choose their path?
Alexis - Explore your interests. In high school I was interested in filmmaking which led to journalism. I wanted more creativity and that led to marketing. You are able to do a lot with your degree. Explore your opportunities by taking different classes.
Hanada - Do what you love. I took classes in business and culture and found it all works together at the end. It’s important to learn about culture and diversity. All classes work together when you start working professionally. Follow your interests, it will be rewarding financially, emotionally and spiritually.
Is there anything you would have done differently on your educational journey? If so, please share.
Kasondra - In high school I was interested in Environmental Science. I later became a surgical technician, then I went to PVCC because I wanted to go into veterinary medicine, but was told I would not make enough money, so I ended up in Economics and Business. Each one of those things led to running my own company for 17 years and taking on a new company. The culmination of all of those things blended into where I am now. All your career path changes end up being a beautiful story of who you become.
Hannah - I cherished all of the left turns I took to get me where I am today. I tied my self-worth to my academic success which has translated into how I approach my career; but I’m working on adjusting this thought. Take care of your mental health as much as you take care of the rest of your body. I had moments of having to reassess my values. In the end, I got a B+ and I was fine with it.
Lizzy - I let my fear of college algebra block my path, but I went to the learning center every Tuesday and Thursday and passed the class with a B+ and I was thrilled. Sometimes it’s unfounded fear in our own mind that is unnecessary. Don’t let fear stand in your way of something you want to do.
What do you know now that you wish you had known before you chose your career path?
Hanada - My first language is Arabic. I started with an ESL class. When I took ENG101 it was scary but I did it. Face your fears and don’t be afraid to be judged. Do not hesitate to do something due to fear of failure. If I didn’t try and push myself with the language, I would not have become an interpreter and linguistic consultant. Also, be sure to talk more with your advisors.
Alexis - Put your mental health first. I had a strong focus to finish college in four years; this led me away from taking classes she wanted to explore. Don’t be afraid to take more time to explore in college. There is life away from classes. I wish I would have taken Fitness classes; those are the ones that open your mind. Every class you take will give you valuable skills.
What was your biggest challenge in your educational journey and what did you do to overcome it?
Lizzy - My biggest challenge was Math. I studied and took advantage of tutoring. There are 1,000 ways to do the same thing. It’s up to you to find your path to overcome the hurdles you are facing. A quote I love is, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” ~Abraham Lincoln.
Kasondra - I had trouble getting unstuck from my vision of pursuing Environmental Science. I started a family and had lots of responsibility, but kept working and taking classes. I thought how am I going to do all the things I want to do? I surrounded myself with good mentors who have been an important part of my life. You just have to be brave enough to ask.
Hannah - My biggest challenge was just going back to school and starting classes. I was scared because I didn’t like my internship, but I pushed through and opened myself up to more experiences. Next, I interned at the Legislature and researched policy which I find fascinating and enjoy.
How have your experiences at PVCC either directly or indirectly impacted the work that you do?
Alexis - PVCC made me love higher education. I asked myself, “How do I end up back in this industry?” I wanted to help students. The company I work for now works with high education institutions.
Hanada - Learning English at PVCC was very beneficial and special. Every class had its own experience that I cherish. When I finished, I wanted to stay for more. I love the closeness in the classroom and learning; especially English. I currently do case management as a linguistic consultant.
While you were a student, were there any internships, job shadowing, volunteering or work experience that helped you gain employment after graduation? If so, please share.
Lizzy - I was able to receive lots of help in the Learning Support Center because at the time PVCC was new and small. I received a lot of one-on-one support.
Hannah - Do as many internships as possible. I was involved in the Student Public Policy Forum at PVCC. We studied how the government works and went to the state legislature to present a bill, which was an awesome opportunity. I also went on a trip to Washington DC with other students to observe how the government works. In addition, I interned at the Arizona state legislature which provided a stipend.
Kasondra - The experience I had at PVCC was the springboard and launching pad of my career. I had much support from my professors and gained much knowledge from them.
Questions from the audience:
How do you handle the anxiety and nervousness of school?
Hanada - Do something you like to do to take your mind off things; like listen to music.
Alexis - Don’t fear failure, you learn a lot from failure. It’s okay to fail.
How do you manage the work life balance?
Alexis - Some weeks are more about work and some are more about life. Be sure to take vacation and breaks and do stuff you enjoy, try to carve out 20 minutes that’s truly for you, the little things go a long way.
Hannah - Ask yourself, “Is going above and beyond what’s good for me?” I was burning myself out. There is a balance and I’m working on achieving it.
Lizzy - Your physical health is also important. Your body needs good healthy food,physical activity and time outdoors. I loved the gym at PVCC.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Hanada - Helping people is very rewarding. I took Communications at PVCC and saw how important it is. Communication makes others understand each other.
Alexis - I love being in the Higher Education industry and being able to help others.
Kasondra - I love that I have opportunities that fulfill a purpose and serve the community and also provide growth for myself and others.
Hannah - Working in Public Service has been fulfilling for me. I enjoy working behind the scenes and serving my community and the state.