November Alumni Career Profile

Name:   Michelle Miller - LaRowe             
                                                                        
Class Year: 1999

Major:  Chemistry

Current Employer: Private Residence

Describe your career path since graduation.

While pursuing my degree in Chemistry at Bridgewater State College, I worked as a full time nanny and attended classes in the evenings. I truly fell in love with raising children and felt that it was my calling. Since graduation, I have been a nanny specializing in caring for twins. I have also founded a local non profit organization, Boston Area Nannies, Incorporated that educates the community about the nanny profession and is dedicated to improving the quality of in-home childcare in Massachusetts. I also am a member of the National Association of Nannies, serve on the Board of Directors of the International Nanny Association and have recently been selected as the 2004 International Nanny Association Nanny of the Year.

 

What is your current position and how long have you been with your employer? 

 I have been in my current position as a full charge nanny since my charges were 10 days old.  They are now 5 years old.

 

Describe the main responsibilities of your position. 

I provide the coordinated model of nanny care to my charges, working as a team player in raising emotionally, socially and developmentally healthy children. I plan the daily day to day life of the children and am responsible for all tasks related to the children.

 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

The difference that I make in the life of my charges.

 

What do you find most challenging about your job? 

In my personal work, meeting the needs of one child without sacrificing the needs of the other. That is important with twins. In the industry, it is very frustrating that there is no universal standard in regulating nanny care. I am working on proposing minimal criteria that will lead to basic standardization.

 

Describe your typical work week.  (How many hours you work, your work environment, etc.) 

I work a 50 hour work week at the home of my employers. When the children are in school I do childcare related tasks such as shopping for the children's' supplies, kids laundry and meal preparation, compiling their scrapbook and organizing their extra curricular activities.

 

What job search methods did you use to obtain your current position?  

I used a nanny placement agency.

 

What advice could you give to students interested in your field? 

If you enjoy working with children, working as a nanny is a great career alternative. The rewards, both emotionally and financially can be amazing.

Last Modified: November 2, 2005