PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Kelly Dooner, administrative specialist II for the development office at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle, balances her roles as a wife, mother and business administration student.
She drew inspiration at a young age from her grandmother, who did accounting work for Maine Potato Growers. Dooner said she was fascinated watching her grandmother work in that office, keeping everything organized and running smoothly.
Business wasn’t her first career, however. She began in the personal care industry, serving as a certified nurse assistant, direct support specialist, personal support assistant and personal support specialist, working with and helping a variety of people ranging from elder adults to people with developmental and mental disabilities.
Still, she fondly remembered her grandmother’s work at MPG. When she married her husband, he encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and try a new career. She wasn’t just going to think about it; “You are doing it,” he told her.
Though it was quite an adjustment at first, she began her schooling in the business program toward a new career, still focused on helping people, though in a different way.
During her first year at NMCC, she started at the development office as a work study student. Six months ago she began her current position as an administrative specialist II and cut her schooling back to part time.
Dooner said the best part of her job is helping to create and organize events for the college. When people attend and enjoy these events, she enjoys a feeling of satisfaction and a strong connection to the college and what it stands for.
In pursuing her business administration degree, she feels she has learned much from her instructors. She attended another college briefly in the past, and reported she did not feel as connected as she does at NMCC. She said it is easier to access her instructors at the local campus, and the support from staff and the Academic Success Center is a big part of her success. She that her instructors structure learning in a way that benefits students.
Dooner’s goal is to complete her degree in business administration, and hopes to use her education to further her career at NMCC.
Personally, she also wants to be a role model for her daughter, just as her grandmother was for her. She said she wants to makes sure her daughter is supported in the career she chooses, whether traditional or nontraditional.
Though women in nontraditional careers can face significant challenges, Dooner is grateful that these have been minimal for her in both education and work environment. She said the staff she works with are supportive and professional, and the faculty continue to support her with her education.
She encouraged other students to reach out to faculty and access the Academic Success Center for any and all help with classwork.
As far as beginning a nontraditional career, Dooner offered one piece of advice.
“If you are interested, then go for it,” she said.
