Many of you have heard Wendy Millhollon speak at Digital Division about her experiences. She is currently the Director of Association Professional Services at Interliant Association Solutions, an organization that provides Internet application development and hosting for nonprofits.

Wendy joined the professional world in 1987, where she started out as a receptionist, moving along the rungs of data entry, database administrator, network administrator, and Webmaster. “Moving up the ladder was both challenging and rewarding. It takes great tenacity and determination to continually learn new technology, which in turn provides wonderful opportunities.”

A well-informed receptionist, Wendy became aware that the data entry person was very overworked. She volunteered to complete data entry while doing her normal receptionist duties. By prioritizing her workload more efficiently, she was able to complete the additional tasks without neglecting any of her receptionist duties. When the data entry position opened, Wendy was the logical hire.

Wendy says, “When you volunteer for additional responsibilities, be very sure not to neglect your regular duties—nor be perceived as lacking dedication and enthusiasm for your regular duties.”

Working in the data entry position, Wendy quickly realized that the lack of organized procedures and processes hampered efficiency. There were no standards for data entry handling, not even time requirements.

Again, above her job description, she created and implemented time standards and processes. Her organized approach eliminated the substantial backlog in data entry and the accompanying repeat request to enter the data, resulting in an increase of more than 20% data entry work done by each employee.

Due to that accomplishment, the network administrator welcomed her help to standardize and assist with network responsibilities. Wendy willingly volunteered to do that, at the same time volunteering to help the overworked network administrator do network database management.

When the network administrator left, Wendy was again the logical replacement. Since the position was also responsible for the website—in a time when few classes were available and website development was largely do-it-yourself—she taught herself HTML by surfing websites and reading books in her own time. She taught herself what the webmaster position required, often by looking directly at many websites and figuring out how they were done.

When she started, there was a basic, organizational website in place. Wendy started promoting the website as having strategic importance within her organization, concentrating her effort on educating the decision-making vice presidents.

Again—in accordance with the pattern Wendy had established—when the webmaster position was created, Wendy was hired.

Wendy regards learning as a lifelong effort, and advises readers, “As you work toward your goals, remember to enjoy the journey. The fun is over if you have learned it all.” Wendy is still having fun, and finds it energizing to help others progress in their careers, and exciting to see their success as they reach their goals.

Wendy has taught the Webmaster Boot Camps at Digital Division and offers this advice on what to look for when pursuing training:

"Find an instructor who offers both class material and shares practical experiences and insights. It’s important to receive much more than just book sense. In effective training, students learn both from their instructors and their peers. A casual, non-pressure learning environment is best for students. Focus on short and precise educational classes that meet today’s requirements. College can be useful for general concepts, but take short courses for specific skills needed to do your job today. Have confidence and enjoy learning!"