Career Path of a Strategy Lead at Edpuzzle
Kelsey's career path began with a goal to be a K-12 teacher, a "formative experience" that ultimately led them to nonprofit work and then to the education technology sector. This journey reflects a consistent interest in education, evolving from direct classroom teaching to strategic roles in startups, showcasing a transition from traditional education to the edtech space.
Education, Non-profit, Education Technology, Career Transition, Strategy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kelsey Smith
Strategy Lead
Edpuzzle
UCLA
UCLA Anderson School of Management - MBA
Entertainment, Music & Arts, Psychology
Education, Technology
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Kelsey's career path started with a goal to become a K-12 teacher, which provided valuable experience and confirmed her passion for education.
2. She transitioned from teaching to working in non-profit education, gaining experience in program growth and broader educational perspectives.
3. Kelsey then moved to the EdTech industry, leveraging her experience in education and non-profit to take on strategy roles in startups, showcasing a career progression that combined her passion with industry trends and opportunities.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Please include any internships or jobs you had before your current role.
I actually started out in a non-traditional business setting. I went to my undergraduate, thinking I was going to be a K-12 teacher. So I got my credential and taught in school settings.
I knew I always wanted to work in education. K-12 public school settings can be challenging, but for me, it was a formative experience. It motivated me to stay in education.
After teaching, I transitioned into nonprofit work, managing program growth and directing educational initiatives from a broader perspective. From there, I moved into education startups, looking at education through the lens of technology. Currently, I'm in my second ed tech startup, working on the strategy side.
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