College to Confidence: Part 1 of My Journey From Designer to Career Coach
A Story of Growth, Learning, and Helping Others Thrive
Summary: When I first embarked on my career in design, I had no idea it would one day lead me to become a career coach passionate about helping others find success in the design field. My journey has been anything but linear, but every step along the way has provided me with invaluable experiences and insights. Today, I draw upon these experiences to guide my clients in their own careers, offering them the support I wish I had during pivotal moments in my professional life.
From Humble Beginnings: Early Design Education and Freelance Work
Coming from modest means, I wasn’t looking for a long-term commitment to a traditional degree. Instead, I pursued a more practical path—earning an Associates Degree in Graphic Design from Mohawk Valley Community College. I made a deliberate choice to invest in hands-on experience rather than continue my education, betting that real-world exposure would offer me more in the long run without the burden of extra debt.
After graduating, I freelanced for a summer before working for a few years at a small print shop, then several more at a franchise sign shop. From fitting lots of information onto a business card to making six words legible from fifty feet away on a moving vehicle—the variety of projects required me to think critically and solve design problems in entirely new ways, fostering both my curiosity and my problem-solving abilities.
What I enjoyed most about working at these small shops was working directly with clients. I took pride in listening to their needs and translating those into designs that would represent their business effectively. Seeing my work come to life in the world was immensely rewarding.
Finding My Stride: Transitioning to an Agency Environment
My next role was a design position at a mid-sized advertising agency. I was excited about the opportunity to work on marketing campaigns for large corporate clients, but I discovered in the first interview that the agency used design software I wasn’t familiar with. I went home, downloaded a trial version and spent a weekend learning before the second interview which included a skills assessment. By diving into the unknown with confidence I got the job, which marked the beginning of my journey into the fast-paced world of advertising.
At the agency, I quickly learned how to juggle tight deadlines, complex project requirements, and stakeholder expectations. This period of my career solidified a sense of confidence in my ability to learn quickly and deliver high-quality work under pressure. It’s a mindset I now help my coaching clients adopt—encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and trust in their capacity to grow.
My next transition would be a rocky introduction to management.
