On May 1 I started a new position as the assistant director for marketing and communications at Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences. It’s a mouthful. I know.

Leading up to my start date I felt waves of excitement, disbelief, and imposter syndrome.

How the heck did I get so lucky?!

From an outsider’s perspective, my career path looks linear. From the inside, it has felt twisty and unclear.

While I haven’t purposefully steered my career towards this position, I’m beyond grateful to be here. I know it will offer a welcome challenge and every day I’ll be working on topics that align with my values. It feels like the perfect fit.

Now, looking back, I can pick out the experiences and connections that nudged me along. I didn’t know it then, but those encounters helped shape how I want to serve.

A Series of Fortunate Events

Where I am today is thanks to a series of fortunate events.

In August 2012, my husband and I moved to Mississippi so he could pursue his PhD. In need of a job, I spent a few months searching, applying, and interviewing for positions.

I was getting traction and interviews, but no offers. Sitting at home going through this cycle was not good for my mental health. I could feel myself getting depressed. Even my introverted self needed to interact with people!

I biked to the only Starbucks in Hattiesburg and applied for a barista position.

Around the same time, I started meeting friends through a local running club and Kyler’s grad program. Some friends told me about an open position at the School of Kinesiology. One of their research advisors was the hiring manager and they said they’d call his attention to my application.

While it felt like a blow to my ego to apply for an administrative assistant job, I focused on the part of the job description that said “web content development and social media experience is a plus.”

I was offered the position and started mid-January 2013. The days at home starting at countless job boards were behind me!

Making Moves at the School of Kinesiology

While I started as the administrative assistant for the School of Kinesiology at The University of Southern Mississippi, my job quickly evolved to focus on marketing and communications. Within six months, my title changed to marketing and communications coordinator and I was also working on College of Health projects as the communications assistant to the dean.

It is not my intention to brag. My intention is to show that by advocating for myself, proposing projects, and for taking initiative I was able to craft my position.

While working on a project for the College of Health, I started researching what other colleges were doing around the country.

This is when I discovered Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

I was impressed with the college’s web content, social media presence, and messaging. It struck the perfect balance of maintaining the professionalism necessary for higher education without feeling too institutional. The tone was approachable and candid. It invited the user to join in and be part of something big.

Even though I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, I was only vaguely aware of OSU and had never heard of Corvallis.

When I came home that day, I told my husband that even though we didn’t know where’d we be living in a few years, I wanted to work for the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at OSU.

I had no idea what those words meant at the time. I just felt it in my bones. This is where I need to be.

Moving to Corvallis

We moved to Corvallis nearly a year ago for my husband’s work, so by a twist of fate working for OSU became an actual opportunity.

I started networking, applying for positions (and not getting them), and working as an independent contractor.

While I was keeping my eye on OSU, I decided to start a consulting business. I was tired of applying for jobs with each move and since I was building up a roster of clients, the time felt right.

I knew I wanted to start my own business at some point, so I might as well take the leap. I dug in, started Marie Forleo’s B-School, took on more clients, and was feeling really pumped!

And then…I got an email notification about the position. A few days later a friend tagged me in a Facebook post about the opportunity. Within the same week I got an email from a connection at OSU and a text from a connection at The Corvallis Clinic. All essentially said, “Hey I thought of you when I saw this!”

I couldn’t believe it! I actually had the chance to join OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

But I also felt inner turmoil. If I interviewed for and took this job, would that mean I was saying no to Hanna Knowles Consulting LLC?

What would other people think? Would they think I’d given up on my own gig already?

As I went through the interview process and was offered the job, this dialogue didn’t go away.

But, the more I talked it over with my family the more I knew deep down I couldn’t turn this opportunity away.

I felt in my bones that this was the right move.

While it didn’t feel like the perfect timing, I’m realizing what may seem obvious to you. Timing and circumstances never feel 100 percent right.

I didn’t feel like the time was right to go out on my own, but once I dug in I became committed.

I didn’t initially feel like it was the right time to slow down my consulting and shift to a full-time position, but I now feel like it’s the perfect scenario. I get to work with a creative team on topics I’m passionate about, while still working with clients I love on the side.

B-School Wasn’t a Waste

Even though I was offered the position in the middle of B-School, that investment wasn’t a waste. Through the process of applying for a scholarship and working through the course, I solidified what I want to do with my life—work towards creating a healthier and more connected future.

Being assistant director for the College of Public Health and Human Sciences is a darn good way to live out my purpose.

Here’s my scholarship application video if you want to know more.

Career Path Lessons So Far

While I’m still early in my career, I’ve learned a ton about myself and how to improve my decision-making process.

I’ve learned your network really matters. Like, a lot. From supportive friends who’ve advocated for me to connections made through networking events and failed interviews (yes, this can and does happen), each of these individuals has helped tremendously.

I’ve learned that by advocating for yourself, you can take ownership of your professional development.

I’ve learned applying, interviewing, and being rejected for jobs will always suck. But, this experience builds resiliency and prepares you for the interview that really matters.

I’ve learned there are no wrong steps, only gained experiences. And sometimes, you just have to move. Marie Forleo says, “with action comes clarity.” Looking back at these past five months, I agree.

I’m now learning how to serve my new employer and my clients while maintaining my wellbeing and nourishing my marriage. You know, just a small thing to figure out.

Gaining Career Clarity

I feel called to help people and businesses create a healthier and more connected future. And now, I can do that through my position at OSU and my business. I feel so privileged and grateful to have this opportunity.