It’s back to school time, as we continue our series on the varied career paths taken by the PlotBox.
Here, we speak with Customer Success Lead Ashlynn Rickord Werner, whose past in history played more of a part in her future than she might have at first realized.
When you were 16 what did you want to be?
History was always my favorite subject in school, so when I began thinking about colleges, I knew I would major in History. As to what I would do with a history major, at 16? I thought I would either become a high school history teacher or work at a museum in their education department.
Tell us about what you studied and when.
After high school, I went straight into college and ended up graduating with a double major in History and Religion. While my primary focus was in history, I ended up specializing in the study of Judaism through the religion program as well.
Near the end of my undergraduate studies, I planned to apply for master’s degree programs in museum studies or historic preservation, but my advisor in the religion program persuaded me to apply to a few master’s programs in religion as well.
I was fortunate to get accepted early admission to Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts and said yes!
For the next two years I studied at Harvard and achieved my Master of Theological Studies degree where I was able to meld two of my passions – religion and the history of science – into one. I completed my masters thesis on religious life at mental hospitals and state schools for the disabled – a personal passion project that led to writing a book about a particular institution that I researched for my thesis, and getting the chance to work and later serve on the board of the Public Health Museum located at the institution.
What is your job now and how did you get here?
I have been with PlotBox for over three years and currently serve as the Customer Success Lead for the Americas (I ensure all of our customers throughout the United States, Canada and South America are satisfied in their PlotBox journey).
After spending some time in the museum world after graduate school, I made a bit of a career shift into the deathcare world. With my skills and passion for history, I took on the role of Director of Cemeteries for the City of Providence, Rhode Island where I was able to work at a cemetery that was over 300 years old!
I was there for a few years before transitioning to PlotBox, which allowed me to combine my cemetery knowledge with tech, helping cemeteries around the country better serve their families.
How has your career path been different to what you had imagined?
I never imagined I would be working in deathcare, but looking back to my interests even from childhood, it all makes sense that I am where I am.
I was obsessed with Ancient Egypt and mummies as a child. As I got older, I liked visiting old cemeteries. I never thought I’d be able to take my rather odd fascinations and turn it into a career, but I did, and I couldn’t imagine a better fit for me.
When did you join PlotBox and what has your experience been like?
I joined PlotBox in March of 2021 as a Training and Implementation Consultant and eventually transitioned into the Customer Success team. Working at PlotBox has been spectacular – I have absolutely fabulous co-workers and customers who feel like family.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self?
You can turn your passions into a career – don’t settle for anything less than what you love to do!