Reinventing Your Career at College of DuPage

After a 30-year career as the Vice President of AON Insurance in Chicago, Joyce Webb enrolled in College of DuPage’s Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program two years ago and never looked back.

“In college I majored in business and then fell into the corporate insurance world,” she said. “I always had a passion for physical therapy and fitness, but I let that dream slip away the more established I became in my career.”

On September 11, 2001, Webb lost 176 colleagues in AON’s New York City Office. Just when she thought things could not get any worse, her husband, a New York City firefighter at the time, lost more than two dozen coworkers.

“The unspeakable tragedy brought into focus just how short life can be,” she said. “I really started to question what I was doing with my life. I loved my job and my coworkers, but the idea of helping someone, one-on-one, was something that I always yearned for in the workplace.”

At the time, however, becoming a physical therapist required seven years of schooling, and the PTA role was not an accredited profession. Webb continued to work at AON but started volunteering in her spare time to fill the void she was feeling.

In October of 2016, Webb’s sister suffered a massive stroke and spent many months of rehab to regain mobility. Blown away by the passionate care her sister received and the progress she was making with the physical therapy assistants’ help, Webb was inspired to make the jump into the profession.

As she discovered, COD offers many degrees and certificates that can help adults advance in their careers or explore a new path.

“Despite living in Glen Ellyn most of my adult life, I had no idea COD offered so many programs that allow you to make a career change in only a few years,” she said. “Seven years of physical therapy school was not feasible for me, but when I found out there was a prestigious PTA program right in my back yard, I realized, as an assistant, I could make just as much of an impact on someone’s life. COD has one of the best programs in the nation and offers a diverse array of clinical partners.”

Webb worried that she might be too old to qualify for the program, but COD’s counselors assured her that age wasn’t a factor in their selection and encouraged her to apply. She was accepted into the program after fulfilling prerequisites and began classes a few months later.

“College isn’t what it used to be 30 years ago,” she said. “The technological advances had me overwhelmed but the professors and students in my class were extremely helpful and supportive. They made my transition back to school seamless.”

Career Services Center Interim Manager Krystina LaSorsa said students can take advantage of several resources, including one-on-one career coaching and exploration through a career coaching database tied specifically to COD programs. Users can explore career options, local wages, employment projections, available jobs and associated education and training.

“Declaring a major and working towards a career goal when you enter college is an overwhelming experience,” she said. “Often times, people will say, ‘I wish I knew what I know now.’ This can apply to your education and your career. Deciding to go back to school and change a career in the middle of your life will bring new challenges, new fears and new expectations, but we are here to serve and support you wherever you are in your career journey.”

LaSorsa also emphasized that switching careers at a later age is more common than many realize.

“A lot of students have had several careers before coming to COD,” she said. “And in this time of uncertainty during COVID-19, career switching is top of mind for many people. There are several programs, including short-term programs and certificates, that offer a lot of flexibility and competitive salaries. The Career Services Center can assist job seekers with this uncharted territory. Career specialists are currently conducting virtual appointments and providing virtual resources for all students, alumni and community members.”

With only one more clinical and a few hours in her practical training left to complete, Webb’s second education is nearly finished. As soon as pandemic restrictions ease up, she will be able to take the licensure exam and begin interviewing for a position.

“College of DuPage is a hidden gem for adults,” she said. “This goes to show that at any age, people can reinvent themselves and start new careers. For anyone feeling stuck or needing a change, I urge you to explore all that COD has to offer.”

To schedule an appointment with a career specialist, email csc@cod.edu.

Learn more about COD’s Career Services Center.