Donna Mezey built her career at a small stock photo agency that grew up to eventually become Getty Images. After a successful 10 years career, she left her executive role for the startup world. After a journey through a few different companies, she concluded that the startup work style wasn’t compatible with her life, which now included a family.

She set off on a quest to find a job that took advantage of her skills and experience in Customer Happiness, but would offer her the flexibility she needed. Through research she was doing for her own child’s educational path, she discovered the field of Independent Education Consultants (IEC). Donna was so drawn to their work that she became certified as an IEC herself.  Today, her company works with high school students through. She’s all about finding the college that provides each child with the right financial, academic and social fit.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • How her career grew up along with that first tiny company as they went from storing photographs in plastic baggies to becoming the world’s largest digital content provider.
  • Why she eventually decided to take a step down in career level.
  • How it feels to be the only parent in your department at work.
  • Why paying $285/hour for an Independent Education Consultant ended up saving her money, and put her on a journey to a new career.
  • Why, as a college counselor and alum of a prestigious university, she doesn’t recommend that route for her clients, or even her own child.
  •  Why sending a high school student to a college counselor can save money overall and reduce stress.
  • About the free weekly content she provides on the college search process. Her College Admissions Demystified Facebook group includes a highlighted college of the week, application tips, and relevant articles.
  • Her take on the recent college admissions scandal.

Other links mentioned in this podcast:

Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be by Frank Bruni