Made her move with Terra State

Becky Leach was a single mom with three little guys all under the age of six when she began thinking of going to school again. She had gone to Terra State Community College for a few quarters in 1999, but did not graduate. “I wanted to better myself to better support my children,” Becky recalls. “I wanted to give myself a sense of pride, too.” Since she was living in Fremont and comfortable with the college, she reenrolled and started work on her degree.

“I began with psychology courses,” she says. “Then I became interested in economics. I took a microeconomics course that gave me a big picture perspective on how the world works.” In 2010, Becky graduated with an Associate of Arts in Economics.

When Becky reflects on her experience at Terra State, she looks fondly on her professors. “I really enjoyed the fact that I could get the attention of the professors at any time. They would even offer moral support. I could confide in them and they gave me a lot of advice about my career to help me get my feet under me.”

Becky’s schooling did not end with Terra State. She transferred to Tiffin University and started studying psychology again. However, just like at Terra State, she changed to finance. In 2012, Becky earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

• 
  DegreeAssociate of Arts in Economics
• 
  Average Length of Study

  2 years, Full time

• 
  Average Cost

  $12,061

  ____________

 

• 
  Employer

  Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

• 
  Job Title

  Human Capital Management Analyst

• 
  Salary PotentialUp to $62,817
 

“After graduating from Tiffin University, I was really lost,” Becky says. “I had several interviews, but nothing materialized. I confided in my financial aid rep at Tiffin and she gave my resume to Veteran’s Services in Sandusky. A week later, I received a call from them and was offered a job.

“At first I was an intermittent employee. They kept finding me work to do for two years. During this time, I kept applying for full-time positions in Columbus. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) responded to me and asked me to take an assessment. I earned the highest score of everyone who took it and was hired after an interview. I knew the job could be a foundation for a career.” Becky kept at it and this past fall was promoted to Human Capital Management Analyst where she coordinates benefits.

Becky has been in Columbus with ODOT for three and a half years. For those aspiring to succeed, Becky has this to say. “Do not give up. If you work very hard to show your worth, it will pay off. People will see your tenacity and find value in it.”

*Possible salary information based on averages from salary.com