Part of the Women on Their 2^nd Careers Series

Personal values are not something we turn on and off. They are as much a part of making us who we are as our eye color, our laugh, or other physical traits. Beth Parke, Billing Manager at Vanguard Skin Specialists, embodies the value of seeing things through. Her tenacity to follow her mission through completion is evident, whether she is speaking about her personal path or her work style. It is not a surprise that Beth connects with the values found at Vanguard Skin Specialists. The idea of “taking it to the end zone” is underscored in all that Beth does.

As Beth puts it, “I believe in getting the job done.” This applies to her roles as wife, mother, manager, and volunteer. Three things define Beth’s journey that led her to her current career. Love of family, a drive to serve, and a personal value placed on what she has to offer.

“Brian has always encouraged and supported me in whatever I wanted or needed to do,” shares Beth about her husband. What they both put as a priority is that of being parents. For Beth, this meant transitioning from her career in banking to her career as a stay-at-home mom for eighteen years. Her sons, Darren and Shane, are the reasons Beth made that choice.

As Beth reflects on that time when their sons were living at home, she lists the different ways she was involved. “I volunteered at their school, I was a basketball coach for a time when they were little, I supported the soccer team, and participated in field trips.”

When asked more about her time as the basketball coach for these pre-school age children, Beth says, “I had one rule: everybody scores.” This willingness to take on the role of coach, without any experience or background in the sport, is a reoccurring theme in what Beth is willing to do to get the job done as a mom.

Beth celebrated six years at Vanguard Skin Specialists in July 2019. During that time, she moved from part-time to full-time and from an hourly employee to the billing manager. She has been able to use her experience from her previous two careers in many ways also. From bookkeeping, to reviewing notes in medical charts, to billing oversight, Beth has demonstrated that her wealth of experience is well utilized. For the first three and a half years, she worked part-time hours at Vanguard and then gradually leaned in more.

“I can remember being told ‘tell us when you are ready for more’ at one of my performance reviews,” says Beth. That time came when her youngest son, Shane, left for college three years ago.

Beth has been a part of Vanguard during a time of significant growth. “The number of added providers and the addition of more locations has been exciting to see,” says Beth. This growth also gave Beth opportunities to take on different and challenging responsibilities. It is clear that she aligns with the values that make someone successful at Vanguard.

“The interview process is thorough here. The people that stay and succeed here are incredible people. I love how everyone that works at Vanguard Skin Specialists wants to give back,” explains Beth when asked what makes this a special place to work.

Beth has been able to satisfy her desire to give back to the community and the world by leading the Vanguard Christmas toy drive for Christmas Unlimited and the delivery of school supplies collected by Yoobi for World Vision. Beth spearheads the annual effort to ensure all kids in three local elementary schools receive school supplies.

For a woman who chooses to dedicate a career to raising her children, making a change to another career can come with its own unique challenges. Beth shares this advice, “Put all of your experience on your resume. There is huge value found in the things we do at home. In choosing to put my kids first, I had to use many skills that translate to the workplace. Put the word out that you are looking for a job. Use your network of other parents, teachers, and volunteer groups as references.”

This is good advice for any stay-at-home mom looking to return to work. Thinking about what it takes to organize schedules, manage a household budget, coaching and encouraging children, guiding the personal development of others, and influencing the character and morals of the next generation all translate as valued and needed skills to contribute to any career.

Beth’s belief that she brings needed skills as an employee, and demonstrating that in everything she does, led her to where she is now. “Don’t be afraid to try. What’s the worst that can happen? You don’t get the job? You keep looking and you will find a place to call home. If it doesn’t feel like that, it doesn’t have to be your forever job,” shares Beth.

Vanguard Skin Specialists is that career home for Beth. She found the place that recognizes how much her background prepared her to be the leader she is now within the organization. For Beth, she is able to continue to focus on what matters to her while establishing this newest career. Her love of family, her desire to give back to others, and the quiet confidence that comes with knowing your personal worth.

Vanguard Skin Specialists is dedicated to creating rewarding, fulfilling careers for talented people. To learn more, check out our latest job postings.