Daily Inspiration: Meet Tabitha Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Jackson.

Hi Tabitha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Prep Professionals started as a concept to help young professionals achieve their career goals through resume development, career coaching, and interview prep. I found that after graduating physical therapy school I felt equipped to perform the duties of my job but did not know anything about how to be a get a job or further my career development once a degree was obtained. Through my professional journey as well as talking with many of my colleagues and friends, I have found that they either are stuck in dead end jobs, stuck in toxic work environments, or just working unfulfilling jobs. This pushed me to want to create a forum for women, women in color of particular, to learn the skills needed to not only have a job but have a meaningful career that brings about satisfaction and happiness.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The creation of Prep Professionals has not been an easy journey. The concept has been in my mind for 1-2 years now but January 2021 I decided to put my all into truly developing this idea to a flourishing concept. Although the concept has been clear, I have honestly learned that being an entrepreneur takes an abundance of patience and consistency. You have to be creative with marketing, understand your niche, and be resilient in times when you you feel defeated. To add to the obstacles of being a new entrepreneur, I found out I was pregnant. This pregnancy has not been an easy one and has thrown me off of the consistency that is needed to be successful. On the flip side of things, I have been able to create content based on my complicated pregnancy that I hope will resonate with women.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I graduated in 2012 from physical therapy school. Upon completion of my Doctorate of physical therapy degree, I enrolled in a residency program to assist with developing my skills with treating patient with stroke, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders. This program last one year and then I became employed with an organization working as physical therapist on an inpatient rehabilitation unit that treated only spinal cord injuries. My time at this organization was amazing as it taught me many things about myself including strong work ethic, compassion, and the importance of teamwork. After 3 years with this organization, I decided to move to another hospital system where I am a manager of rehabilitation services. This role has taught me the art of patience, choosing your words correctly, leadership, consistency, and time management.

Because of this management job, I have exposure to the workings of the human resources department, how to screen for candidates, knowledge of what makes a candidate stand out amongst the rest, how to develop employees, and how to assist with positively influencing employees who are disengaged.

Prep Professionals is truly a by-product of my management work at this hospital system. Due to my knowledge of hiring practices across the spectrum, ability to engage employees, and the honesty within my leadership of a department, I believe I possess the ability to educated and provide pertinent education to allow women to meet their career goals.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The apps I use most frequently are Calm- a meditation app that keeps me centered, Hootsuite/Threads to keep me organized with my Prep Professionals content, and Zoom- to keep me connected to friends/families/other pr0fessionals.

For reading (or ebooks), I use the Hoopla app- I can check out books from my local library for free. This has been helpful as my time is limited and I can open up a book on a ride or when relaxing to learn. The most recent book I have read (listened to):The Subtle Art of Not Giving a **** by Mark Manson. This book gives some insight into why we as humans limit ourselves through negative self-talk and how by changing the narrative we tell ourselves everyday that we can change our entire lives. Great read (or listen)! I would definitely recommend.

Pricing:

• Career Coaching: $200/2hrs
• Resume Updates: $100
• Mock Interviews: $150/90 minutes

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.prepprofessionals.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prep.professionals/