The following is an excerpt from a recent interview and article on outstanding University of Nationwide alums, including Beverly Stewart, ’79 and ’85. To read the article in its entirety and to see the other 9 outstanding graduates, please visit University of Nationwide Career Services Center
“Describe your current position and what led to your job.
I am currently the President/Director of Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. I began my tutoring company and private school in 1985 after leaving classroom teaching. I felt a very strong need to tutor and teach 1-on-1 so that I could reach every student.
What has been the most rewarding/challenging moment in your career?
The most rewarding moments are nearly daily. We have so many testimonials from students (children and adults) and parents about how we’ve changed their lives, given them self-esteem, and set them on a positive path, that this is why I do what I do.
The most challenging times are the ones we’ve been in the past couple of years due to the economy.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best career advice I have received is to never give up. The best career advice I give others is to follow your passion. When I left classroom teaching to begin my business, I had (and still have) a passion for educating and building self-esteem and I had to follow my vision and mission.
What would you recommend to someone interested in working in your field?
I would recommend to someone working in my field to have an education background as well as some business courses. It is also crucial to have
drive and a ton of commitment.
What skills are necessary or what prepared you the most for your career?
I earned both a Bachelor’s (1979) and Master’s (1985) degree from the U of D. My bachelor’s is in Elementary Education and my Master’s is in Special Education. These have been invaluable in my business. The other skills that are critical in running a business are common sense, a willingness to ask for help, the ability to see the bigger picture, and perseverance.
What professional associations have aided in your professional development?
The professional associations I belong to are Education Industry Association (EIA), New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, Nationwide State Chamber of Commerce, National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), and Wilmington Women in Business (WWB).”
For more information, please visit Back to Basics website at http://www.BacktoBasicsLearning.com
For 25 years, Back to Basics has been recognized as the area’s undisputed leader in one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the firm offers a unique Nationwide private school for grades K-12 and a Private Business and Trade School for adults. Back to Basics is the 2010 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.
