As an outsider, breaking into an industry can often seem like an impossible challenge and so we reached out to some very generous folks who agreed to share their stories of how they broke into their respective industries.

Ginille Brown

I never thought I would be in the aesthetic industry. Honestly, I had a complete misunderstanding of botox and the patients who got it. Upon moving to California I was set on finding a position in the emergency room (ER). I thought it was my best chance to become a better nurse and would provide me the experience I needed to further my career. The ER could be a difficult place to find a job, especially as a new graduate. I was fortunate enough to land some shifts at a hospital through a temp agency. I was excited to get some real experience. Read more>>

Anay Castro

I got this job at the end of 2019 and started officially in February of 2020. I worked in Emergency Medicine for 13 years before transitioning to Dermatology. I was interested in Dermatology because it is a fascinating specialty. I saw a lot of rashes and skin conditions in the ER and I wanted to learn more about medical dermatology. The recruiting process was a bit difficult, but I was persistent. Turns out that most Physician Assistants that go into Dermatology do not leave their specialty, so the job market is tight. Read more>>

Briana Scott

I actually started working towards my nursing career in 2010 at Albany State University but due to distractions and being unable to get into the program as a freshman, I decided to change my major to biology sciences. My goal in life at the time was to become a laboratory chemist and I landed a job at Pfizer immediately after graduation. After being there for a few months, I realized that being a lab chemist was not the best fit for me. I was secluded for 10 hours a day, 5 days a week in a lab with no social interaction and watched a machine do the work for me as I troubleshooted any issues. So while at work, I began apply for nursing schools. I was accepted to both Samford University and University of Alabama. I chose Samford University. Read more>>

Dr. Yadira Baez-Lockard

I was working as a case manager for a community mental health clinic. Most of our referrals came from the Department of Social Services and children involved with the system. I was working with children that were victims of abuse and struggling with behavioral and emotional issues. That’s when I was first exposed to the field of forensic psychology. I had the opportunity to meet the victims, work with them and their families and ultimately testified on their behalf. I remember the first time I went to court and although feeling nervous, I fell in love with the work. Read more>>

Christina Charron

I was an esthetician at a local spa. I felt like I was holding myself back from what I truly wanted to do. I loved esthetics but really wanted to get into cosmetic tattooing. I had gone to a Look Good Feel Good class for cancer patients and assisted them in showing makeup techniques to help them feel better during their treatments. This was so rewarding to me. The look on these gals faces after just a few minutes was enough to tell me that this is a field that I would love to work in. Read more>>

Tiffany Boyd

I actually graduated back in December of 2021! I was set to begin working in Memphis, TN after boards! But I guess God has better plans than we do! It’s funny! I interviewed with my current employer which is Fast Pace Health in Southaven, MS in January of this year and I guess the timing was off or something because I didn’t sign on with them! Around July I received a call from my amazing Clinical Director Mark Swanson, FNP-C! We set a date for an interview! We interviewed! And during the interview an emergency came into the clinic and he was called out of the room! Read more>>

Dr. T. Ph.D.

One piece of advice I always love sharing with both my personal training clients and academic learners is how important each and every step is in achieving any goal. For example, when pursuing your first job, it’s critical to recognize the journey and process of attaining that job. In my case, I landed my first job in the health and fitness field back in 2005 by complete accident. I was working as a personal trainer at a fitness center known as the Perimeter Summit Health Club, in Atlanta, Georgia. In between clients, I would kill time by going out on the fitness floor and asking if any of the members needed my assistance with their workouts. Read more>>

Toya Knowles

My first job I created at home, I was the kid on the block doing all my friends hair in the neighborhood. I was 13 years when I started. When I got out of high school I enrolled into a Pivot Point International beauty school in 1990. After enrolling I found a salon to work in as an assistant and did hair at my parents home Sunday. I absolutely LOVE what I do after 33 years Read more>>

Maria Luque

I found my passion for menopause when I noticed that many of my clients and friends were going through menopause and having a rough time. At that time (2010), I was at a point in my Ph.D. studies where I had to pick a topic for my dissertation, and I picked that. I conducted a study evaluating the impact of physical activity on quality of life during menopause, which was the beginning of my path. Since then, I have focused all of my work on researching menopause- and movement-related topics because I want to help women lead their healthiest and happiest lives. Read more>>