Liz Coleman

Associate Director of Enrollment Training & Admissions

Service Member's Branch - Navy

Service Member's Status - Currently Serving - 6 years

What has been your military spouse career/entrepreneur journey so far?

My husband and I were married for two years before he enlisted and so during that time, I was able to get my foot in the door working in the admissions office for my Alma Mater serving as an Admissions Counselor. After our first PCS, I was fortunate enough to be hired at an elite university as a remote employee (this was pre-Covid) where I started as an Enrollment Advisor and worked my way up to Senior Enrollment Advisor. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at that university, I found an opportunity with my current employer to be able to remain remote but stretch my career further not just in my title but also in proximity. The university I am employed for now is across the country and being a remote employee has provided me the flexibility of growing as a professional regardless of our moves while still forming professional connections across the county.

Tell us about yourself.

Hi! My name is Liz and I am a South Carolina native who loves anything involving the sunshine, beach, a good book, and Clemson Tiger football. I've been a military spouse for 6 years and it's been nothing short of exciting. When I'm not at work, you can usually catch me taking my fur baby, Missy, for a walk on the beach listening to a good podcast.

Tell us about a "typical" day in your professional life.

As the Associate Director of Enrollment Training & Admissions, I oversee all of the day-to-day operations for our admissions team for the university. This includes training Enrollment Advisors on best outreach strategies to provide top customer service & improve student experience, working very closely with our Veteran Affairs department to ensure our veteran & active-duty students are set up for success to utilize their military benefits to further their education, and partner with our marketing team to help promote the university and the fantastic programs that are offered.

If you've been stationed overseas, how did this affect your career and or business?

N/A

What has been your biggest military spouse career struggle and how did you overcome it?

I was incredibly fortunate to have been offered a remote position when I did (pre-pandemic) that has allowed me to keep my job during our moves without having to step away from the role or take large amounts of time off. However, this was not easy to get and caused a lot of stress for my husband and I financially as we were trying to make plans for that first PCS. While I am truly thankful for my remote position, I am not naive to the fact that it could easily be stripped away and so it is important to be able to form as many connections to not only prepare for the “what if” moments that may come but also to help pave a way for other MilSpouses who are in need for a remote position. We have to stick together!

What role did mentors and sponsors play in your journey?

If it were not for my college mentor, I would not work in Higher Education at all. It was her influence that made me consider a role in admissions that has since paved a way for my career. In addition, I consider my last supervisor as one of my biggest supporters who challenged me professionally and helped set me up for the position that I am in now. If it were not for him, I would not have the incredible opportunities that I have today. The fact that he is a military brat and watched his mom make those daily sacrifices of putting her career on hold is what truly makes me want to partner with other spouses who desire to have a career while still supporting their family at home.

How does your career path differ from what you imagined for yourself?

In college, I always pictured myself in some type of mental health counseling. As a new college graduate who was desperate for a job, I took the first opportunity that I was presented with and would have never pictured myself working in Enrollment Management but I truly love it! Being able to play a small role in someone's future is such a gift and amazing to be a part of.

How did military life (PCSing, deployments, trainings, etc) factor into your career decisions?

When I was hired for my first remote position, I actually didn't realize that it was remote and was disappointed when I found out about it. Again, this was pre-pandemic when remote work was not very common or highly sought after. However, once I experienced remote work, the freedom/opportunities that come with that while juggling military life quickly became very evident to me. While my job & career is incredibly important to me and my sense of purpose in life, my family is more important and so, having the opportunity to juggle both areas is a gift I certainly appreciate daily.

Have you ever had to geo-bach due to your career/entrepreneurship?

Yes! My husband and I actually lived apart for a full year of our marriage due to our career paths & finances. While we don't regret this, I will say it was very hard at times. What made it worth it was remembering that it was temporary for a short season and that the sacrifices we made then would open doors for later. The best advice I can give is to lean into that season as much as you can! If you have the opportunity to engage with other professionals after work- do it. Do you have the chance to work overtime to help provide financially & gain experience? Do it. Just make sure that whatever plan you set, you and your spouse are fully on board with any time commitments or sacrifices that might be involved during this quick season.

What resources have you found to be useful in your career/entrepreneur journey?

LinkedIn is a great tool and it is honestly so amazing to be able to read the various career paths that military spouses have. MilSpouses are truly one of the strongest & most resilient groups and to see them thrive and grow in their careers when their spouse's career typically takes precedence is amazing to see. I always feel inspired & challenged just by hopping on there.

Final word: what are your top tips for other military spouses about navigating a career within the military lifestyle?

My husband is active duty and every type of “self-help” post you read will always push the fact that your spouse's career will take priority over yours. Unfortunately, this is true in my spaces but doesn't have to be the case. Marriage involves an equal partnership where both parties bring value to your family. It's important to be open with your spouse about your desires and how you both can feel fulfilled in your careers and not just feel like the one who puts their career on the back burner. Also, don't be afraid to ask other spouses questions about their careers. What do they like? What do they wish they could change? Do they have connections to share? I think as MilSpouses, we can all relate in this area and because of that, have a heart to serve each other and see one another thrive in life. So, ask questions and don't be afraid to be bold. Who knows, because of your spark into conversation, you might just meet your mentor who opens more doors for your career than you could have planned.

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