When Kristin DiBacco departed Bowling Green, degree in hand, for southern California in May 2006, her career path was fairly open. After a degree change just a year before graduation and little time for an extensive job search, she began working with a kindergarten class in San Diego, something that felt much more like a job than a career. "I was not happy with my job," says DiBacco. "I knew there was something else out there for me and I just needed to find what my passion was."

A chance meeting with the parent of a student proved that she was very close to doing just that. Throughout the school year, DiBacco became fast friends with career strategist Marcy Morrison, and they met to discuss DiBacco's individual goals and interests. "I never knew the results I would gain from the hour meeting would have been so great," Kristin says. "She used all of the tools I had given her and started giving me suggestions for different jobs she thought would suit me."

Of the many elements that comprise an effective career strategy, Morrison and DiBacco focused on passion and simplicity. "My philosophy is that I truly believe that people know what they love to do, but often there is a need to chip away outside influences and information to get to the core," says Morrison. "I also keep it simple - I find that people get overwhelmed with the whole job search process, so I put together simple & easy to follow steps.

Morrison suggests the following to get started:

1. Figure out what your dream job is
2. Determine your strengths
3. Trust your gut/believe in yourself
4. Find a mentor, personal coach, or someone who will support you
5. Get on your "A Game" in terms of resume, cover letters, etc.
6. Research all aspects of your dream job
7. Network!
8. Set goals/get organized
9. Take risks
10. Develop a Vision Board - a clear picture of what they want their life to look like in all areas

In all, DiBacco feels that her life will be changed tremendously with the foundation of a sound career strategy. "I have gained more confidence in meeting people and working my existing network, and I've also set a date for when I want to have a new job," she says. "I'm really enjoying the process of getting to know myself." 

Kristin (Lioce) DiBacco is a 2006 graduate of BGSU's College of Education and Human Development. Marcy Morrison has been involved in global affairs and consulting since 1986 and is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego. Learn more about her here.