By Wanda “Sistah Soldier” Petty, President & CEO
For years I envisioned being an entertainment artist. I realized I had many talents but would often play them small because I didn’t think they were worth anything. It turns out they were. After serving in the army for 21 years, I knew for sure my future would be in the career development field. I thought the path I was traveling would surely be the route God wanted me to take. However, it wasn’t.
I realized career development would play an important factor no matter what career field I worked in, but I still was unsure what would be required. I remember thinking, “I’d love to attend art school now that I’m retired.” It felt like a dream that was so far away. I was a mother with a young adult about to enter college and a newlywed wife with only six years invested (at that time). Not to mention, the schools I was considering were out of state. At the time, none of the local colleges captured my interest. After all, Manhattan, New York, was only three hours away from the D.C. metro area. I could travel by Amtrak weekly if it were necessary. I contributed a lot of thought and planning efforts to consider taking additional steps.
The more I thought and planned, the more I talked myself right out of pursuing my dreams. Another eight years had gone by before I could no longer contain not doing what I felt I needed to be doing in my life. I realized I wasn’t getting any younger, and this was the only life I have in “this lifetime!” Before I knew it, I was in front of the camera! Not exactly what was showing up for me, but none-theless it was a part of my personality. I was already very familiar with the camera because it’s infrequent that anyone will see me without one on my person. Now, here I am four years later producing television shows, documentaries and helping others pursue their passion.
I said all of that to say this, “how long will you allow excuses to keep you from living the life of your dreams?” If you’re interested in writing, filming, photography, or directly working with technology in the media field, you must begin to take action! Working in the film industry requires not only structure but the management of projects. Adding a certification to your portfolio is a winning solution. Earning certificates can equip professionals with having knowledge and obtaining a winning edge. It’s not only a new year but a new chapter, a new decade that’s just beginning for you. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about obtaining professional development training, now it is time for you to create a plan and start executing. There’s no reason to let another year go by while you sit on the sidelines.
Beginning January 31, SHE VET Media will offer virtual live and evergreen professional development courses online. The curriculum includes the CAPM® Exam Prep Course, Introduction to Agile, Leadership, Networking, and Management for Women in Business, or the PMP® Exam Prep Course. The program design can meet the needs of those in transition, developing entrepreneurs, or working adults. Courses are accredited, and the majority of the training will provide participants with a certificate upon completion. Enrollment does not require the use of the Montgomery GI Bill and is affordably priced to suit any budget. If you’re interested in beginning your journey as a project manager in the film and entertainment industry, this could be your big break! Project Management and Cyber Security certifications can get the attention of the next hiring manager you encounter during an interview. So, set your career on the path of uniqueness and begin learning the flow and process of managing projects to start your new year off in the direction of fulfilling your dream career.
Sistah Soldier is an inspirational activist who helps veterans, women, and minorities step into the call of God for their lives. She’s the CEO, host, and executive producer of SHEVETiNSPIRES.com Television Show, and the Executive Recruiter for SHE WORKS Digital™.