Ad Astra Per Aspera. To the Stars Through Difficulty. The Kansas state motto perfectly describes dedicated Kansas entrepreneur and Microsoft Office Specialist, Katie Murray. Find out how Katie has reached her dream job, all through focused effort and dedication.
JVIDÊÓƵ: Katie, we’re so excited to chat with you. Your former teacher, Mrs. Taylor, speaks very highly of you.
Katie: Thank you so much! Mrs. Taylor has been a huge influence in my life. She gave me so many useful life skills from my Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2016 certifications to financial accounting knowledge to Photoshop experience. She has always been a shoulder to cry on and the first teacher you run to tell good news. She has made a positive impact on so many students. We genuinely will never be able to repay her.
JVIDÊÓƵ: I’m sure she would be so happy to hear you say that. How did you first get involved in Mrs. Taylor’s classes?
Katie: My high school offered a summer course that doubled as college credit in which we worked though the certification workbooks and took the tests. I’m so glad I took time out of that summer to earn my MOS certification!
JVIDÊÓƵ: Such a great bonus to get college credit and a certification while in high school Tell us a little bit about what you’ve been up to since taking Mrs. Taylor’s class.
Katie: The knowledge that I gained from Mrs. Taylor and my certification have been a major contribution in my educational and career success. I landed an internship with Textron Aviation my freshman year of college above many older students because of my Microsoft certifications. That was brought up again and again during my interview. Textron was such an amazing experience! I even got to take an airplane up with an instructor and learn the basics of flying around Wichita.
My certifications also accelerated my college experience, allowing me to graduate with a degree in Business Management in 3 years with a 3.85 GPA while running track and field for Wichita State University. I also utilize these programs everyday with my own business, when I’m doing marketing activities, creating presentations, and working on accounting.
JVIDÊÓƵ: That is incredible! You’ve been balancing so much. Did your certifications help you through all of that?
Katie: I was definitely offered the internship opportunity I touched on above because of my certifications. I was also named lead designer during school projects and presentations because of my extensive experience with PowerPoint. Among those opportunities, I was also elected as Vice President of Finance, Vice President of Marketing, and Student Athlete Advisory Council Marketing Chair during college because of the added benefit of my certification knowledge.
JVIDÊÓƵ: So many amazing experiences to add to your resume. Now that you’re finished with college, what are you doing for work?
Katie: I own a nutrition coaching/smoothie business called The Ridge Nutrition Community. I am actually in my dream job at 21 years old. I have been extremely blessed. I get paid to own my own nutrition business where I can capitalize on my strengths and passions while staying active and building a team of likeminded people!
JVIDÊÓƵ: You’re living out your dreams. How fun is that! Do you have time for hobbies as well?
Katie: Definitely! I love photography and using Photoshop to edit my images. I am color deficient though, which complicates things. Luckily, I’ve been able to make it work.
During Halloween season, I enjoy face painting and FX Makeup. I also spend lots of time with my dog, Jessi, often while crafting or baking!
JVIDÊÓƵ: Now one last question for you. You’ve done so well since getting certified. What advice would you give to other students about certification?
Katie: My biggest piece of advice is to take the programs seriously. Learn and absorb as much as you possibly can in the time you have. You will use as much as you learn.
Ready to learn more about the MOS certification? Visit www.certiport.com/mos.