Rosheena Hairston (B.S.’17) breaks through with the Career Design Program
As a VCU alum, one of the exclusive career resources at your disposal is the Career Design Program, a flexible 30-day online program that helps you discover a more fulfilling career path.
VCU Alumni checked in with Rosheena Hairston (B.S.’17), part of the program’s 2023 cohort, to learn how the program changed her career outlook.
Meet Rosheena and learn how the Career Design Program helped her overcome self-doubt and reaffirmed her purpose.
What motivated you to sign up for the program? What was your current job and what were you looking to change?
When I discovered the Career Design Program, I had been working in supply chain management for several years after transitioning from a process improvement rotational program at a paper packaging company.
While I had gained valuable experience and was good at my role, I did not love what I was doing or feel purposeful in it. I knew I had more to offer and wanted more out of my career. I wanted to realign my career with my passions, particularly in project management, entrepreneurship and youth development.
I signed up for the Career Design Program to reflect, regroup and redefine what a fulfilling career looked like for me and discover what other careers may be more aligned with my goals.
What part of the program had the greatest impact?
The sections on mindsets for success and limiting beliefs. These sections pushed me to reframe my thinking and acknowledge how self-doubt, insecurities and imposter syndrome had held me back from pursuing roles or paths that could challenge me and elevate my trajectory at this company.
This mindset shift helped me take bold steps, like entering a new department at work, going back to school to get my master’s in business, launching my own brand, hosting an Airbnb and actively pursuing roles and opportunities aligned with my skill set and passions rather than just my experience.
What was a specific moment or insight that stood out?
During the partner interview session, my peer pointed out how confidently I spoke about my dream of starting a nonprofit for youth, families and communities — which was something I had never shared professionally.
That moment affirmed that this dream wasn’t just something I wanted in my spare time but a core part of my purpose. It gave me the confidence to start laying the groundwork for that future. Which also led me back to school to broaden my understanding of the business world.
My background is in engineering, and I am a first-generation college student. Through this program, my interest in challenging myself was reinvigorated. I know [what I took away from the program] will not only open new doors in my corporate role but will also empower me with confidence to pursue what I feel I am truly called to do in my life.
Whether you’re early, mid- or late career, the Career Design Program provides the structure, support and accountability you need to find a more fulfilling career. The next session begins Aug. 16.
How has your perspective on career planning or personal growth changed?
I now approach career planning as a continuous design process rather than a linear climb. The program helped me recognize that pivoting doesn’t mean failure; rather, it means evolving. I’m more intentional about aligning opportunities with my values, interests and long-term goals as opposed to short-term validation.
Personal growth is no longer an afterthought, it is central to how I evaluate career moves. I am more intentional in seeking out mentorship and professional development opportunities like professional speaking training, and I make an effort to be involved on project and process improvement teams. I now ensure my focus is not only on progressing my career linearly but also strive to advance personally and professionally in ways that fulfill me and that I am passionate about.
Why would you recommend this program to other alumni?
I recommend this program because it creates a structured but flexible space to reflect, get clarity and design a career path or approach that fits who you truly are, not just what your resume conveys. It combines self-awareness, practical tools and community support in a way that helps you take ownership of your journey without making you feel alone in the process.
What advice would you give to someone just starting the program?
Come in with an open mind and a willingness to be honest with yourself — even if that means confronting uncertainty, discomfort or big decisions. Lean into the exercises, trust the process and take small but consistent action toward your goals. You don’t need to have everything figured out by the end, but you will leave with clarity and direction if you engage fully.
Categories Alumni