Montgomery: Former Recession Graduate Lands Dream Marketing Job After Years of Setbacks

Alicia Strata, 38, is now thriving as a marketing creator and integrator at Alabama World Travel, a luxury travel agency in Montgomery, Alabama. But her career path was anything but smooth — shaped by the Great Recession, years as a stay-at-home mom, and a tough job market comeback.

Launching a Career in a Crisis

Strata graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2010 with a degree in marketing communications. With unemployment nearing 10%, marketing jobs were scarce. Instead, she joined Teach for America, teaching 4th grade on a Native American reservation in South Dakota. Though unrelated to marketing, the experience taught her resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills.

From Teacher to Stay-at-Home Mom

After a year abroad teaching in South Korea, Strata returned to Chicago, married, and landed a graphic design role. But motherhood changed her trajectory — she left her full-time job in 2013 to raise three children, occasionally taking on small part-time marketing projects between 2015 and 2020.

Hitting Reset After Divorce

In 2021, Strata relocated to Montgomery, Alabama. A year later, her marriage ended, leaving her a single parent with a thin résumé. Despite sending out countless applications, she faced repeated rejection. A part-time retail job at Hobby Lobby offered momentum, but being let go in early 2024 was a difficult setback.

An Unexpected Breakthrough

In February 2024, Strata interviewed for an office support role at a luxury travel agency. To her surprise, the company revealed they were actually seeking a marketing professional — a perfect match for her skills and ambitions. By March, she had secured her dream job in marketing, nearly 15 years after graduation.

Lessons From the Job Search

Now thriving at Alabama World Travel, Strata values the positive work culture and sense of family among colleagues. Looking back, she emphasizes the importance of staying open to opportunities: even if the role isn’t ideal, showing up fully can lead to something better.

Her advice to job seekers: “Give your best effort, even if it’s not the exact role you want. Getting your foot in the door is the first step to moving forward.