Mary E. Halloran

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

To look outside my area of current interest when choosing a career. I ended up in business, but started in the arts. In reaching out to others, you will learn something, and may find other options to broaden your possible choices. In any event, expect that your career will evolve over your life.

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

A teacher told me that better opportunities come with hard work. There is no substitute for showing up, being informed, and doing more than is expected of you... showing that level of interest will make you more valuable in your current and future endeavors.

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

I wanted to work in publishing right after college. A few weeks before my graduation, with no job prospect yet, I went on an entry level interview at a major publisher in place of a friend who got a better offer. I think the person that interviewed me was impressed by my sincere wish to work there in any capacity. I was offered a position and went on to be promoted twice in the next four years.

How did you start building your network?

Keep in touch with people you meet along the way, and reach out to people in time of difficulty. And, ask them for advice if you need it. You will make some lifelong friends 😀

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

I wanted to work in publishing right after college. A few weeks before my graduation, with no job prospect yet, I went on an entry level interview at a major publisher in place of a friend who got a better offer. I think the person that interviewed me was impressed by my sincere wish to work there in any capacity. I was offered a position and went on to be promoted twice in the next four years.