Patrice Butcher:  

Life Hello I can't believe it's been almost 30 Years since High School... I remember some things so vividly... it seems like yesterday. I was quite the gypsy and had many BUMPS the past 20 years... and finally settled down the last 10 years, having smooth sailing! Phase I 1982 - 1988: After High School I went to college for 6 years ASU, Scottsdale Community College, U of A and back to ASU.... getting 2 degrees all because I didn't want to enter the Real World in a timely manner. I got a B.S. in Psychology & B.S. Business Management. Phase II 1989 - 1994: After about 8 months out of college, I landed my first job... pension plan adminstrator. I stayed in this field 6 years... starting out at a company in Tempe, going to another in San Diego, and coming back to a yet a different company in Phoenix. Jumping companies was the only way to get more $. I loved the work and probably would have stayed in the field, becoming an actuary, if I wasn't stupid and date a co-worker.. and it go AWRY... Dumb, dumb, dumb... but a fantastic learning experience of what NEVER to do AGAIN :) Phase III 1994: Moved to Springfield, MO to work with my family selling model homes... only to find out when I got there, no models were being built to sell. Stayed around 9 months...failing in real estate and cutting fire block for homes being built... yes, not one of my better decisions! I Hated the weather in Missouri... so I moved back to Arizona without a job. Phase IV 1995-2000: Worked for Salt River Project as a temporary secretary - yep I developed typing skills while in college... Got a permanent job as a Clerk. Was happy to have a job at SRP while they were going through natural attrition, not replacing people that had left. In 6 years worked myself up the corporate ladder... clerk, expeditor, technician, analyst. My analyst position helped me develop transferrable skills and I had a great boss! Yea... finally getting somewhere. Got my MBA in Finance with SRP's help January 1997 - February 1998 - was on the accelerated plan :). I knew the job I wanted at SRP... but had applied three times and twice was runner up. I had my mind made up and wanted to be an energy trader... get experience and go work for ENRON... whoops.. so...Expand for more