Major:French / International Politics & Economics
Language School:French
What do you do?
I am the Executive Director of Lake Champlain Bikeways. LCB is a bi-state, bi-country non-profit organization that promotes bicycling throughout the Lake Champlain regions of New York, Vermont and Québec for the purpose of increasing opportunities for bicycle recreation and transportation, improving the quality of life, enhancing economic vitality and raising public awareness and appreciation of inherent scenic, historic, cultural, natural and recreational resources throughout the area.
How did you get your current job?
NETWORKING! I had left a fundraising job at Middlebury after giving birth to my son, James. While I loved the job, it involved too much travel and more hours than I was willing to spend apart from James. When James reached 5 months of age, I began talking to all of my Middlebury and Harvard (grad school) contacts, letting them know I was looking for a part-time job in higher education or the non-profit world. I made a lot of phone calls, did several informational interviews, and was lucky enough to be recommended to Bikeways. After a couple interviews with the Board of Directors - I had a job offer!
What do you like about your position?
I love the flexibility of my current job. I set my own hours and work from both home and an office in Burlington. Bikeways is a very tiny organization - my business manager (he's a board member, part-time and volunteer) and me. Because I am my own boss (although I do report to my Board), I can regulate my workload and set my own schedule. I can't imagine trying to raise a family, run a household and continue a professional career without this flexibility!
What do you dislike about your position?
What I dislike about this job has a lot to do with my own work style and ambition. There just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything that I think should get done, done. I also find it very difficult to balance fundraising (to sustain the organization) with project management and strategic planning (to continue doing the good work of the organization). I could easily spend all my time on either - although fundraising (because it pays my paycheck and for the work we do) always seems to take top priority.
What kind of people do well in your career field?
Anyone interested in running a non-profit organization should have lots of energy, be highly and self-motivated, not be easily discouraged, pay attention to detail (or hire someone who does!), be organized, be a good writer, have excellent people skills and finally, BELIEVE in the mission of your organization.
What activities were you involved in at Middlebury?
Track and field, a spiritual gospel choir, Ultimate Frisbee, French Club, Amnesty International, Resident Advisor
Did any of your summer jobs or internships influence your thinking about careers after college?
I spent three summers at Middlebury with the French School. The first summer I was a student - the following two, a bilingual assistant. I loved speaking French - hearing French - reading French - the novelty of being able to communicate in a foreign language never wore off. I decided that I wanted to use my French in whatever career I chose after college. So, my first job out of Middlebury was teaching French at a private high school in Switzerland. Today, almost ten years later, I work on bikeway development in Quebec and am still able to utilize my French skills.
What advice would you give to students interested in working in your field?
Go for it! Mission driven work can be extremely gratifying. It feels great to know that I am "doing well by doing good." I would recommend doing some self-assessment before going into any field of work. It helps to know if you feel strongly about working for a mission-driven organization or a bottom-line ($$) organization. Non-profits certainly have to worry about finances, but the motivation to do good work is very different than in the for-profit world. Also, don't be afraid to try out different fields of work. Experience is the best way to figure out what you really want to do in the long run.
How can students best prepare themselves while still at Middlebury?
Take advantage of all the great opportunities and people you have access to at Midd. If you are a good student at Midd, you will learn to write well, think critically, problem solve and communicate effectively. These skills will take you ANYWHERE you want to go - they are invaluable in the professional world. On top of the basics, follow your heart and interests when choosing a major - often times it will have little to do with your future career and your future company will probably teach you the specific job-related skills you will need to know. So, do whatever piques your interest now - go to the theater, attend concerts, lectures and sporting events, try log-rolling in the pool, watch lots of sunsets from the New Dorms or Bi-Hall, engage your professors and the staff in conversation (they possess an amazing wealth of experience and knowledge), sled down Mead Chapel hill on Proctor dinner trays, say hi to one new person a day... Above all, savor the time you have at Midd - it's short and precious. If you take advantage of what Midd has to offer, the experiences you have and the relationships you form will prepare and serve you well in the future.
What would you do differently?
If I could go back and do my four years all over again, I would not major in something I felt was "practical." I would have taken more languages and taken art, dance and classics courses. I also would have taken the initiative to spend more time with my professors - at lectures, meals, office hours and social gatherings.
What are your future plans?
My husband (also a Midd grad) and I plan to have several more children and raise them here in Vermont. I also plan to become a "lifer" at Middlebury - come back to the College to work when my kids are school-age. I would like to run for a political office in VT at some point in time and we plan to do lots of travel - around the country and around the world - with our family.