Erin Vicente is currently an associate professor teaching communications classes at Lasell College. She has a B.A in business administration and an M.A in communication. She has worked for Viacom, CBS Radio, Boston and Fleet Boston Financial. She has a two year old daughter and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Communication and Leadership. While she has an extremely busy life, she never fails to inspire and engage students and be the best professor she can be.
HC:In class you have told us all about the many roads you have taken that eventually led you to teaching. What’s the best advice you can give to college girls when it comes to finding a career path to follow?
EV:DARE TO DREAM. Follow your passion and a career will follow that. Don’t stop when someone or something is in your way or tells you, you can’t. Approach with caution, think outside the box, and maneuver around such obstacles or roadblocks and you will find yourself on the “other side”, the side of opportunity. The future awaits you. Say please, and always thank everyone for opportunities that may not seem as opportunities at the time. A smile goes a long way, laughter even longer, especially when out loud! Be good to those who have helped, continue to help, and will help along the way, but most of all, be good to you.
HC:You’re a new mother, a professor, and a Ed.D candidate. Your life must be crazy right now. How do you find time to balance everything and time for yourself?
EV:Well, honestly, I don’t have much time for myself, which is by choice. I had many years to myself before having a daughter, so now, I dedicate any time I have to her. I also try and remember that my doctorate and my work, ultimately, are for her to have a good life. I try and organize what I need to do every day, but with a toddler, that can change at any moment. My family is my first priority. I spend most of my free time trying to balance school, meetings with students and other faculty, and my family. Most of my nights are spent on my own doctorate work, and my weekends with my family.
HC:As both a professor and a student, what would you tell students is the most important thing to do?
EV:Understand that learning is a lifelong process. That Rome wasn’t created in a day, and, students must learn patience and perseverance. Students must learn that getting what they want, such as their “dream job” requires taking a series of steps for such accomplishments. The most important thing is to understand your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes, which will help students gain a better sense of self. Confidence is built through practice.
HC:What led you to go for your Ed.D in Organizational Communication and Leadership?
EV:I realized I needed a doctorate to teach in higher ed. I knew it would help leverage me in terms of value to my institution and colleagues. As well as help me prepare to become a better researcher which is part of my profession. My mentor, Dr. Janice Barrett, encouraged me that I could do it, and would do it. She educated me on the advantages of having a terminal degree. Would you recommend students to go above a B.A after graduation? I think it depend on a student own individual goals. Sometimes it is not just about earning a degree for a job, but because one has a passion for learning in a higher ed setting.