Meet Our New Business & Career Specialist

Ready to start your side hustle? Looking to switch career paths? Meet Tricia, WPL’s new Business & Career Specialist! As the Business & Career Specialist, Tricia handles all things Ignite, our approach to providing resources and programs for business, career, and lifelong learning. Get to know Tricia a little better below, and don’t forget to stay up-to-date with all things Ignite by signing up for our newsletter.

Patrons might recognize you from around the library! How long have you worked at WPL and what other departments have you been a team member of?

I have worked for the library for about 9 years. I started as a shelver and did that for about 8 years. I then worked at the Tech Center for about a year. Now I am the Business & Career Specialist. 

What tasks or projects are you most excited about tackling as the Business & Career Specialist?

I really enjoy talking with people and meeting new people; that’s the best part about my job! I am also excited to promote Ignite; the library’s resource for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs. 

Can you give us any hints on the kinds of programs we can expect from Ignite in the future?

“What Ted Lasso Should Teach You About Your Career” (presenter Brian Watkins) is an upcoming fall program that I am super excited about. I am also really looking forward to having our community partner, Poised for Success, do a presentation in the fall. It is a valuable resource our community should know exists and rally behind. 

What is your favorite business or career resource, or one you wish patrons knew more about?

LinkedIn Learning is a fantastic resource we have at this library. You can learn anything from Microsoft Excel to video editing and so much more. All you need is your library barcode and pin to log in and get started on your LinkedIn Learning journey.

If you could bring 3 books with you on a deserted island, what would you choose?

Any Ruth Ware book, A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs series), and the newest book by Erik Larson, No One Goes Alone. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My guilty pleasure is watching true crime docs on Netflix. I could not live without singing, though. I have sung my whole life (ran a voice studio for about 30 years) and the two groups I sing with now are a necessary outlet for me. But, I think the best activity I enjoy most is watching my son play college tennis. I have friends and family out there who know exactly what I am talking about. Being able to watch years of hard work come to fruition is the best feeling in the world. 

Not sure where to start on your business or career journey? Contact Tricia for help at ignite@wheatonlibrary.org or 630-868-7531.