Vanessa Bush, M.Ed.
• Author, Relationship Builder, Lifelong Learner, Avid Traveler, Managing Perfectionist •
Career Pivoting & First Podcast Debut
Skills Gained:
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Leveraged previously earned/learned skills in new industry - EdTech
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Building and elevating my personal brand
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Strengthening relationships to increase revenue
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Flexed my 'sales' muscles after 10+ years
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Boost self-confidence
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Re-practice interview techniques
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Present to C-suite and VP-level executives
Lessons Learned: During COVID as I was working from home, I realized that I had hit a proverbial wall with my career. I was no longer stimulated, excited or passionate about my particular role, or the future of what I could do in higher ed enrollment. As I began my search for a new industry and role, I made certain that culture, work-life balance, fit, and purpose alignment were all in accordance with my current values and needs. I put myself first in the hiring process, which resulted ultimately in a departure from higher ed, but tangentially close to another new industry - EdTech. At PeopleGrove, I am a member of the Account Executive team, creating relationships, educating our prospective clients, and meeting with partners to secure trust, establish credibility, and help them understand the power of career access for all learners. I was excited to utilize my higher ed knowledge in a different, more interactive way at scale. Rather than work at just one institution, I was now able to communicate with multiple high-level stakeholders across the country, learning and growing.
As I was building my brand and posting relevant content on LinkedIn, I was contacted by Shiro Hatori, host of the Demand Gen Higher Ed Marketing podcast at Concept3D. We had a quick conversation which later resulted in my debut on the podcast regarding Higher Ed Career Access. This was the first time I was asked to speak about a topic I was passionate about and had expertise in - a first (and hopefully not last) for me!
Impact: Being featured on my first podcast felt amazing! I was able to enhance my reputation and position myself as a leader and expert with valuable information and perspectives. I have continued to post new content on LinkedIn and other platforms, establishing a more regular presence for continued reach and exposure. I have become more confident, more secure, and more willing to take risks, put myself out there, and be my authentic self!