Career Roadmap
Eric's work combines: Technology, Education, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Caney Creek High School
Bachelor's Degree
History, General
University of Houston
Graduate Degree
Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling
Sam Houston State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors:
Bachelor's Degree: History, General
Graduate Degree: Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Military right out of high school. I knew I wasn't ready for college and didn't want to waste time. If felt like 4 years in the Army would allow me to grow and give me time to figure it out my path.
2.
Deciding to leave the Army. They make it hard to leave. They entice you with bonus money and allowing you to choose your next duty station as well as potentially changing jobs.
3.
Taking a job at the local community college while in college. Provided me scheduling flexibility and knowledge and contact for future employment.
4.
After teaching for 3 years, I wasn't happy and could not change jobs to support my family. I decided to attend grad school to pursue counseling. It was extremely difficult.
5.
Grad School while teaching. I averaged 4 hours of sleep for 2.5 years, but was present with my family and excelled in my studies.
6.
College and career job! Perfect job to fit all of my needs and wants out of a profession.
7.
Wife unhappy with IKEA job wants to go back to school to be an Art teacher. I now work at a high school 7-3pm and am advising at a college 4-8pm to make the bills and support her in college.
8.
I'll be working 12 hours a day for the next 3-4 years, but the part time job is paying into my retirement, and it's super flexible and not very demanding. It's time away from family but will work out.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
Getting an education takes too long. It's time you could be making money for your family.
How I responded:
Getting an education can take time. It is a sacrifice, but a temporary one. It pays off in the end. As long as you have a plan and stick to it, you can justify making those sacrifices for a season.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I began college at 23 after leaving the military. I was the oldest student in every class and was married with a child. Balancing studies and family was difficult and I sacrificed being involved in college life due to it.