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Career Roadmap

Abbey's work combines: Education, Non-Profit Organizations, and Working with Others

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Day In The Life

National Programs Manager, Community Engagement

I manage the organization's national strategy for community engagement in support of our programs.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Fort Collins High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Business/Commerce, General

    University of Colorado Boulder

  • Graduate Degree

    Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

    Regis University

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Social and Community Service Managers:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Business/Commerce, General

Graduate Degree: Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    First I went to college and studied Business because I didn't know what I wanted to do.

  • 2.

    Then I decided to join the Peace Corps because I knew I wanted to help people.

  • 3.

    Then I started working at a museum as a volunteer coordinator.

  • 4.

    Then I moved to Washington, DC and found a job with College Summit.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

    You shouldn't work in the nonprofit industry, you'll never make any money.

  • How I responded:

    Ultimately, you have to find a balance between a career that will allow you to make a living in what you consider a comfortable lifestyle, and a career that makes you happy and satisfied. That balance is different for everyone. Follow your own beliefs and dreams and don't let others discourage you from what makes you happy.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I had to transfer colleges after my freshman year because of financial difficulties. I worked hard to catch up on classes by taking summer school and worked part time throughout my time in college.