About Ruth Schimel

When you work with me, don't expect a conventional career counselor or coach. Even in high school when I wanted to be a biochemist or architect, a range of fields intrigued me. Then, as now, I understood that appreciating how and why individuals benefit themselves and others usually doesn't fit into neat patterns, subjects and job titles.

I remain curious, continuing to learn and make sense of complexity. Examples are how the arts and sciences relate, cultures enrich one another and technology can serve human development. These explorations help me understand better your unique interests and abilities, your powers and possibilities. As we work together, this rich foundation supports your progress and assists in developing our insights to:

• confirm the obvious
• build on what continues to have meaning for you
• and explore what the unknown or previously dismissed offers

You may wonder about the variety of my background, briefly summarized below. There is an integrating theme behind it all: helping people realize their strengths and pursue their true interests.

Professional Experience

Current:

• Career and life management consultant since 1983
• Writer of book series on Choose Courage, www.courage.co, as well as articles and guides on professional and personal development
• The Schimel Lode, providing free consulting services and some financial support for original ideas integrating education with career development efforts to benefit individuals and groups in the Washington DC area, www.TheSchimelLode.net

Previous:

• Diplomat, serving in Department of State, Guatemala, India and Ecuador
• Management consultant, primarily in public and nonprofit sectors
• Professor of human resources at Marymount, Georgetown and American Universities

Education

B.S. in industrial and labor relations, Cornell University

M.A. in government, behavioral science and personnel, George Washington University

Ph.D. in public management, personnel and gerontology, George Washington University. Dissertation: Becoming Courageous: A Search for Process

“Becoming courageous is a process that involves the willingness to realize your true capacities by going through fear, anxiety or suffering and taking wholehearted, responsible action.”

--- from Becoming Courageous: A Search for Process, dissertation by Ruth M. Schimel, Ph.D.