Brenda Cook:  

ob in my field as a Project Manager was more difficult than I had anticipated. I took the opportunity to take a 9-day 'real estate' boot camp so I could get my license as an Arizona Realtor. I also worked as a bookkeeper for a local business in Scottsdale. And, was quite humbled by the entire experience. Through adversity, I persevered once again finding a job as Project Manager for a consulting firm working with American Express and IBM. I thoroughly enjoyed my 2.5-year stint, but as a contractor you make more money to offset not receiving any benefits. So, my search began again in October 2005 to find a company that I could grow with while completing my college education. Perot Systems has been and still is one of the best companies that I have had the pleasure working for. I have the full package from great benefits and compensation to the ability to work from home twice a week. I look forward to spending many more years at Perot and will continue to push myself to do my best and more than is expected. This company has afforded me the ability to finish what I started. I am going to Arizona State University (ASU) part-time in the evenings while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I will graduate in 1.5 years with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Communication. Yet, I am not stopping there, I will continue on for another two years so that I can get my MBA with a concentration in Supply Chain Management (SCM). SCM and Project Management compliment each other nicely and will serve me well when pursuing executive level roles. We will not talk about how old I will be when I have my MBA, but who cares! Long story, short, I took a chance by putting the “cart before the horse” and it paid off! My accomplishments are a good testament for those that did not pursue a college education. As I am living proof that a career can be built on perseverance, drive, and industry experience. On a final note, you are NEVER too old to go to college. --Brenda Workplace Currently, a Senior Project Manager for Perot Systems (Ross Perot's company) in Phoenix, Arizona. I have been a Project Manager for ten, going on eleven years now. I really enjoy the profession and cannot imagine doing anything else. Previously, I have worked with IBM, American Express, Adobe Systems, National Security Agency, US Navy, and Entergy Utility Company. I got my start at Citizens Communications in Johnstown, NY. Military N/A