Alumni Q&A: Meet Sarah Tavitian ’19
Occupation: Small Business Developer, NewVue Communities
What initially inspired you to attend NECC? Where were you on your professional/personal journey prior to enrolling?
When I graduated from Haverhill High School, I did not know what I wanted to do for a career. I knew I loved the business world but was not in a position to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a degree I wasn’t passionate about yet. My older brother attended Northern Essex Community College a few years prior to me and always sang its praises for the faculty, education, and career opportunities he received. Additionally, I was working part time as a server, receptionist, and nurse’s aide to put myself through college, so the flexibility of courses offered at Northern Essex worked perfectly for my situation.
I’d love to hear more about your career journey. What led you to your current position as a small business developer?
After receiving my associate degree from Northern Essex, I transferred to UMass Amherst and received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. After UMass, I attended Fitchburg State University for an MBA in Human Resource Management. During my time at FSU, I was presented with an internship at the company I work for now, NewVue Communities. I was a Small Business Intern for over a year and went on full time as a Small Business Developer upon graduation.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at NECC? Any favorite memories to share?
Northern Essex, from start to finish, was a personalized experience. The stigma surrounding community college at the time was that everyone “goes to class and goes home.” However, I was very active with extracurriculars in high school and did not want that to end just because I attended community college. At Northern Essex, I joined the business honor society, Alpha Beta Gamma, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Society of Leadership & Success. Some of my fondest memories are running bake sales in the lobby of NECC for the aforementioned clubs and sitting down with the “adult coloring for stress relief” group. I made several connections with peers and faculty, that led to many coffee outings and dinners. One of my favorite memories would be attending an Alpha Beta Gamma Convention with Professor Pamela Donahue in Jacksonville, Florida.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
As a Small Business Developer, I provide business owners and aspiring business owners with technical assistance and business coaching. I work with clients on a business plan and financial projections that oftentimes get submitted for a loan or grant. When the client receives funding to open or expand their business and has a ribbon cutting ceremony, that is the part I enjoy most. Watching a client succeed after all their hard work is a rewarding feeling that I am grateful I get to experience.
Anything else you’d like our audiences to know about you?
Northern Essex Community College gave me a foundation in the business world that carried me through my academic career. I am grateful for every opportunity and faculty member that contributed to my growth as a professional.
Each month, the NECC Alumni Office shares interviews with our accomplished graduate population through its alumni newsletter. If you have a story to share and would like to be considered for a future edition, please fill in an Alumni Update Form or email alumni@necc.mass.edu.