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Seeking Higher Education Can Further Your Career In Chicago's Job Market

Kathleen M. Sheridan has a master's degree in Education, certifications in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a PhD in Child and Family Studies. As an expert in her field, Kathleen offers some great insight on how her educational background has helped with the overall success in her career.

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(Photo Courtesy of Kathleen M. Sheridan)

How do you feel your education has attributed to your success?

"I simply would NOT be where I am today without my education. My educational experience gave me the opportunity and the tools to become a better-informed researcher, consumer, teacher and advocate. In the classroom and field, it has enabled me to adapt to a changing marketplace and retool my skills at various strategic points in my career. It is through my educational coursework and study that I have become a smarter and a more adaptable person professionally."

How does technology come into play in your role with the College of Education?

"As Associate Dean for Licensure Programs and Technology in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I assist with technology and online initiatives. The College of Education at the University of Illinois Chicago is in the process of launching a new and improved website to better serve our students, potential students, faculty, alumni and the community. There, you can find out more about our programs, our urban mission and projects we are engaged in, our faculty, staff and community resources. You can find us at www.uic.edu."

What advice can you give others looking to go into education?

"I have been in higher education for 20 or more years. My advice for those that want to go into higher education is to stay passionate about your goals and your personal mission. That passion will help you succeed when you are mired in late night study sessions and dissertation writing that might seem to go on forever. Higher education has been a venue and vehicle for me to actually make a difference in the lives of others. As the late Nelson Mandela said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'"

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.

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