Chicago Business Owner Offers Advice For Career Success
When it comes to management, the opportunities are endless because management can lend itself to a number of different fields. Consider this when looking to further your career or change career paths. It's important to note that education is the key in pursuing a management position. Not only will it help you obtain a position, but it will help with your overall success in your career.
Patrick Elward is a great example of how you can utilize your educational background and previous experiences to gain a management position in a field that you are passionate about.
What can you tell us about yourself?
"My name is Patrick Elward and I am the co-founder of Chicago Web Management. Since 2004, we've been working with small businesses throughout Chicago and the Midwest with website development, design and management. My wide range of experience has enabled me to focus on the gray area of website management, rather than on any specific task. Chicago Web Management was produced out of the need to service ongoing websites. Many companies build and design websites, but few have the resources or expertise to manage them once they've been launched. Chicago Web Management is like that building engineer with 1,000 keys who knows where they all work. Always on call, we help customers with peace of mind to ensure their sites stay up and running as well as up-to-date."
What is your educational background?
"I have a bachelor of arts from Loyola University of Chicago. I focused on computer design and communications and I completed a certificate program at DePaul University. Outside of this, I completed the webmaster certification from CIWcertified.com to round out the basics and am currently studying for Zend PHP Developer certification."
What is your background in management?
"I was webmaster at a top five search engine company and a new media manager for a boutique branding agency. I was also a new business account manager for Pioneer Web Development Company. Prior to college, I managed a motorcycle shop as a service writer and worked at Marshall Fields and other retail establishments and these 'customer facing' positions formed the groundwork for excellence in customer service that enables me to succeed today."
How has your education fueled your management success?
"Having a strong liberal arts background gives me a wider perspective about life and enables me to relate to my clients in a less technical sense. Many people have complimented my ability to speak plainly about highly technical processes. It's about customer service; that's how you thrive."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
