Mentoring Coordinator

Your Name (optional):

Leon W. Brashier

Male/female:

Male

City:

Victoria

State/Province:

TX

Country:

USA

Industry:

Higher Education

Company (Optional):

University of Houston-Victoria

Job:

Mentoring Coordinator

Education:

A degree from a prestigious university would be an advantage. The higher the degree the better. In my case, I have an MA degree with multiple certifications.

Training/experience required (years, other jobs):

 A wide background in the general field of education is a must. Experience in public or private schools as a teacher or administrator is excellent training for this position.

Explain what you do:  

I work as a consultant to public and private school districts in a 14 county area to develop mentoring programs for the students on individual campuses.

Why should kids choose your career path?

The ability to make a difference in a child's life cannot be overestimated. The personal reward that comes from helping a young person to stay in school and move on to a successful career and life is worth the effort. In my job I have the opportunity to have that kind of influence on hundreds of students.

What would you recommend career wise and how should kids approach/develop their preparation for a working life?  

I would recommend getting all the experience possible working with the public in general and with kids of all ages. Your university education and degrees will give you a lot of theory, philosophy and practical knowledge but you cannot beat field experience.

Lessons learned: If you started all over again what would you do differently?  

The only thing I would change would be to spend more time mastering languages other than English. I speak a little bit of six languages but cannot claim a mastery of any. In my part of the world, a mastery of Spanish would have been a real boon.

A favorite anecdote, phrase, or expression relating to business that inspires you:  

 "Ignorance is not bliss - it is oblivion" by Philip Wylie

Other suggestions or relevant information you would communicate to kids regarding careers in general:  

 Decide on what you like to do and what you do well. Then find a career field that will allow you to practice that while they pay you for your time.