Pursuing a degree can be tough, especially when more than a decade has passed since graduating from high school. But Christy Peterson ’03 not only found the motivation to apply to college, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education, minoring in English Language Arts and Computer Studies. The proud Alverno alum eventually landed a lucrative career as an account executive, currently working for BizTimes Media. The job puts many of her 8 Abilities to use as she builds strong relationships with her clients, generates sales for the company’s publications and finds new and untapped opportunities.
A lot of young people are questioning whether they should even go to college. What made you decide to pursue your degree?
“I wanted to obtain a college degree to choose a career and earn a good salary – your typical reasons. My other motivators were personal and more intrinsic. I wanted to build my self-esteem that was lagging and grow intellectually. I also had a strong desire to learn and study things that I knew nothing about. In hindsight, I had a thirst for knowledge that needed to be quenched.”
How did you decide upon Alverno?
“I took the advice of high school friend who graduated from Alverno’s nursing program. She spoke very highly of the college and recommended it to me as an adult learner —age 31 — wanting to pursue an undergraduate degree. Being women only, with an ability-based curriculum, smaller class sizes and easy access to talk with professors, she said Alverno would provide a more nurturing and supportive environment than the public university system which caters to younger students, has larger class sizes, limited communication with professors and offered a standard curriculum. She assured me that I would be better served attending a smaller liberal arts college.”
Why do you think it’s important for women to get an education?
“It’s important for anyone to get an education in something they desire to learn. Knowledge is the key to growth and advancement. For women, education is a threshold to empowerment. I think earning an education helps women develop a catalyst mindset — that they have the ability to transform their life.”
Who were you when you first arrived at Alverno, and who are you now?
“Arriving at Alverno, I was scared, insecure and not confident that I was even going to pass the entrance exam — that was nearly eight hours long! After doing all the things that they required — a math assessment, a reading assessment, an essay sample, a speaking sample performed on camera — I was completely overwhelmed by the experience and feared that I wasn’t good enough to get accepted. My thoughts and inner dialogue sounded like this: ‘You aren’t college material. You’re not even smart enough for this. Who are you kidding?’ I went home and sobbed. Two weeks later, I received an acceptance letter. I cried again; this time tears of joy, and was humbled that they were going to give me a chance.
“Today, almost twenty-one years after graduation and with many life experiences under my belt, I am very grateful to Alverno College for my professional development. I am a strong-minded, independent, self-thinker and an exceptionally good communicator. After all the hoops they made me jump though to earn my undergraduate degree, the most important lesson I learned was to believe in myself and in my ability to succeed.”
How did Alverno play a role in shaping you?
“It changed how I viewed myself. I realize that I am smart, capable, acutely insightful and intelligent. The eight abilities and criteria- based curriculum helped develop this awareness in me by building my skillsets. Self-assessments allowed me to see my strengths and weaknesses as they were — a work in progress. Even today, I work to manage and improve upon them. In my courses and field work I practiced being reflective, analytical and accountable for my thoughts and actions. Collectively these experiences shaped me and prepared me for the workforce.”
What do you love most about what you do?
“Building relationship with my clients and keeping them informed about advertising opportunities that help them attract customers and build trust in the marketplace is very satisfying. My job is fast paced and dynamic. I have many projects to manage. Although I work independently, I am part of a sales team and accountable for my productivity.”
Is there any advice you would give to a young person trying to decide whether college is worth it?
“I would advise them to think about their return on investment (ROI) and what they are trying to accomplish by going to college. There are many education options to consider when deciding on a career path. An undergraduate degree has value because it demonstrates that you accomplished something that took time to earn. It also makes you marketable and gives you an advantage over other candidates who don’t have that type of degree. However, is the cost and length of time you spend to earn it worth it? In today’s job market a degree isn’t necessarily a ‘must have’ for all careers. That said, it’s really a matter of choice. You are in charge of your education and must choose the path that best serves you.”
Is there anything you’d like to add?
“A college degree is something that you earn and no one can ever take that away from you. It will be an experience you fulfilled in your lifetime; an accomplishment that is irrevocably yours. That’s powerful. I’m grateful to have earned my college degree at Alverno.”
