College Experiences That Helped A Senior Vice President Of Program Innovation At IDEA Public Schools Succeed
Pablo's undergraduate success stemmed from "exploring and leveraging internships," which unexpectedly revealed a career path divergence, and from proactively pursuing interests like an education minor, a decision that led to Teach for America and ultimately, a senior leadership role at IDEA Public Schools – a trajectory Pablo admits "would not have happened" without embracing unanticipated opportunities. The advice highlights the importance of exploring and pursuing interests, even if the ultimate outcome is uncertain.
Career Exploration, Internships, Higher Education, Career Development, Professional Trajectory
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Pablo Mejia
Senior Vice President of Program Innovation
IDEA Public Schools
UCLA Graduated June 1999
Masters in Education Leadership at the University of Texas Pan American (Now UTRGV)
Communications
Education
Strategic Management and Executive
Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Explore internship opportunities to gain valuable experience and potentially discover your interests or rule out career paths.
2. Pursue your interests fully, even if uncertain about the outcome; unexpected opportunities may arise.
3. Take chances and step outside your comfort zone; your career path may be unpredictable, so embrace the journey and be open to new experiences.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
Exploring and leveraging internship opportunities in hindsight was very powerful. For me, it showed me that I didn't want to pursue that profession, but I think that's important.
Secondly, if you're interested in something, see it through. When I heard about the Education Minor, I thought it was interesting and decided to try it. I applied and was accepted.
The classes I took to complete the Education Minor led to me being at a school and enjoying that experience. I participated in a class where I was a TA, and in that class, I heard about Teach for America. Applying and being accepted to Teach for America led to me becoming a teacher in Texas.
From there, my professional trajectory took a huge change. Really take advantage of internships to see what you are interested in or not. If there's any interest in something, pursue it because you're not sure where it will take you in life.
I would have never guessed I'd be in the role I am today when I was at UCLA. It's funny how life works its way through and puts you in the right place in the end. That would not have happened if I had not taken a chance and pursued the Education Minor because it was interesting.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/pablo-mejia-a997616