Stephanie Lopez
AIB International
Newport Beach, CA USA
"It may or may not be a good fit, but the only real way to know is to try it."
Career Roadmap
Stephanie's work combines: Food, Education, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap QuizSkills & Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
California State University, Northridge
Graduate Degree
MBA
Kansas State University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Vice President, Operations:
Bachelor's Degree: Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
Graduate Degree: MBA
Learn more about different paths to this careerLife & Career Milestones
1.
I couldn't find a job doing medical research as I had intended. So, I took a job as a microbiologist for a food company. This is where my career started and I met my future husband.
2.
I was passed over for a promotion, so I started looking elsewhere.
3.
I thought my new job would require relocating to another state, but my responsibilities soon changed and I was traveling around the country, so it didn't matter where I lived.
4.
The road warrior (200+ nights a year on the road) was getting to me. I missed my family and my health was suffering. It was time for a change.
5.
I took a job with a well-respected company, but the culture was not a good fit for me. However, this was a period of time I focused on my health and lost ninety pounds.
6.
After I had made a positive impression with a customer several years prior, they proactively sought me out to join their organization. At the time, I considered this the ideal company to work for.
7.
I missed the work I had been doing from my road warrior days, but was hesitant to travel that much. My previous employer asked me to return with new responsibilities that required less travel.
8.
I applied for the Vice President role because I thought it would be a good experience. I was surprised when I was offered the role, but I embraced it, including relocating to the midwest.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
It's too much travel. You will be away from home too much. It's not safe to travel to other countries.
How I responded:
Agree to give it a try and re-evaluate in 6 months. It may or may not be a good fit, but the only real way to know is to try it.