;
“Experience is the best teacher.”
Sharon M. Bowden is the founder and creator of StartSavvy®, a career and college advisory dedicated to preparing parents and students for post-secondary education and careers in the 21st Century. The StartSavvy® platform consists of three elements: a State-of-the Art resource website, www.startsavvy.com , on-site workshops and on-line webinars.
Educator, Counselor, Tutor
Bowden holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Secondary Speech Education, and is a graduate “with distinction” of UCLA’s College Counseling Program. Bowden has also been a substitute teacher in both public and private high schools, and tutors high school students. She has served on Georgia’s Capital City and Partnership Council for Career and Technical Education and is a presenter and counselor (pro-bono) to Vera Jackson Scholarship Recipients.
Real-World EXPERIENCE
Bowden has over 20 years of Sales, Marketing and Human Resource experience working with high performance teams in Fortune 500 Companies. AT&T hand-picked Bowden to lead its efforts as the National Account Manager for the 1996 Olympic Games working closely with sponsors and technology teams worldwide creating innovative applications. Bowden created the Global Olympic Network, a Virtual Private Network linking National and International Olympic Governing Bodies, recognized by the European Press as one of the most creative ideas behind the 1996 Olympic Games.
Publications
She is a featured contributor to a number of National and International publications:
Expert Résumés for Engineering Professionals, Creating Your High School Résumé, 3rd Edition, Modernize Your Job Search Letters, and the most recognized series of self-help books; the Dummies Books, Cover Letters for Dummies, 3rd Edition, and Job Search Letters for Dummies
Affiliations
Bowden is a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC), member of Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Certifications & Credentials
Bowden holds the following:
- Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) “qualified for set-asides”
- Nationally Certified Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) “qualified for set-asides”
- Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW)
- Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)
Featured Contributor
National and International Publications
Endorsements
StartSavvy.com steps into the breach with a rich selection of important advice and direction to clear up fuzzy futures for American youth. Kudos to educator Sharon Bowden for not only recognizing a critical guidance deficit for teens and twenty-somethings, but for taking action by launching StartSavvy.com.”
StartSavvy incorporates an interactive and engaging platform to grab the attention of all students. Coupled with career exploration exercises and professional guidance in the job-seeking skills arena, StartSavvy is the ideal integrated tool.”
” …StartSavvy worked with two of our children. They helped my son with his college selection, listening to his career interests, desires, and addressing each accordingly. Additionally, they provided résumé support and interview guidance to both my daughter and son after college graduation which resulted in their immediate employment. Both children are working in their chosen field and have great jobs!
We are very pleased with the support we received from StartSavvy.”
Mark & Pattie J.
“…StartSavvy has provided three of my children with exceptional support in evaluating career interests using formal interest surveys, reviewing job applications and offers, and providing excellent résumé consultation. Each of my children have expressed to me and StartSavvy how extremely grateful they are for such wonderful support. As their mother, I too, am very grateful; I would highly recommend StartSavvy. “
Margaret C.
“…We engaged the services of StartSavvy following my son’s college graduation. He was primarily interested in their résumé preparation and interview support. A few years later, our daughter decided to apply to a Master’s program to become a Physician Assistant. Again, we sought the guidance of StartSavvy. They assisted her with the evaluation of schools/programs, the application process, résumé and interview support, as well as post graduate career services. Both of my children can’t say enough good things about StartSavvy. We agree, StartSavvy is the Best.”
Ken & Carol S.
“…StartSavvy has been so much more to me than a provider of college and career related services. They have been my counselor, teammate, but most of all my “champion.” StartSavvy helped me navigate the process of college career fairs, preparing an excellent résumé, teaching me interviewing skills and actually guiding me through salary negotiations for my first job. Members of the StartSavvy team have been hiring managers, Human Resource Managers for Fortune 500 companies, and are nationally recognized and published résumé writers, so they were on target with every bit of advice. I am grateful to have a resource I can look to for world-class guidance and will continue to work with them throughout my career…”
Nathan S.
Vanderbilt University
“…I started StartSavvy in the 8th grade, applying to private high schools, and applying for leadership opportunities at camp. Over the years, StartSavvy has taught me how to locate resources, evaluate and compare colleges, write a resume, and the proper way to answer interview questions. They also provided me with great resource lists I can use forever. I will always be grateful for learning this information early in life. I feel well prepared for college and the next steps in my life…”
Lily S.
Woodward Academy
“…StartSavvy assisted me in getting a job at a “Big Four” accounting firm. They showcased my skills and abilities in my résumé, so that I would standout to a potential employer. StartSavvy has a wealth of real-world experience; therefore, the guidance regarding interview preparation was top-notch. I was very impressed with their professionalism, and I would highly recommend their services to everyone….”
Chris B.
University of Georgia
