Online Learning Grad Discovers New Career Path

The path of discovery often takes many unexpected turns. For Katrina Rowan, her ah-ha moment came from talking to someone who was previously unknown to her. After graduating with a public relations degree, Katrina thrived in multiple sales positions. However, after getting married and having her second child, she decided to step aside from the work world to become a full-time mother. Seven years later, as her two boys have grown older, she began asking herself, “What’s next?”

“I wanted to find a career that allowed me to help people,” Katrina said. “A friend of mine suggested that I reach out to her friend — a paralegal in Dallas.”

After that conversation, Katrina was intrigued to learn more and began researching the industry and job market outlook. “I was looking for job stability and growth projections,” she said.

“I started seeing a trend of law offices replacing junior attorneys with paralegals in an effort to save money for their clients.”

A Life-Changing Discovery
Her journey eventually led to our Online Paralegal Certificate program. “I received a KSU Continuing Education catalog and immediately went to the website and watched the paralegal video,” Katrina said. “I liked that I could obtain a certificate in a short amount of time – as opposed to a four-year degree. I didn’t know if I could commit to the classroom due to my husband’s work schedule and having two boys at home. The online option worked best for me.”

The Online Advantage
Katrina cites the self-paced, 12-month, user-friendly online platform as some of the reasons she chose that route. She also valued the course’s career developmental focus.

“The program far exceeded my expectations,” she said. “I especially appreciated the initial focus on building your résumé, looking for a job and the different kinds of jobs to look for.”

Katrina was also excited about the amount of writing samples produced throughout the course as those can also be used as work samples when applying for jobs.

“It seems like most of the jobs in Atlanta are looking for experience,” Katrina said. “That’s why it’s so important to get your foot in the door and get that experience.” And she should know – she was hired by the Persons Firm in Marietta.

“Ben Persons is a personal injury attorney and I work with him and his other paralegal,” Katrina said. “It’s such a great team, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far.”

Sage Advice
When asked what advice she would give to prospective students considering the program, Katrina suggested talking to others who have already gone through it, diligently researching the paralegal field, and preparing yourself to do a lot of reading. She also strongly encouraged joining prominent local associations such as the Cobb County Legal Professional Association — which she became a member of in 2016.

“In this field you really are helping people,” Katrina said, “I’m looking forward to growing my career in paralegal.”

Why Online?

• Self-paced learning
• Variety of programs
• Flexible scheduling
• Telecommuting
• Cost savings
• Convenience

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