Mich Nelson
guest services supervisor
Erath Winery
Until mid-2007 Mich was a project manager with an IT consulting company. But, she says:
"I always had that fantasy wine job in the back of my mind."
Mich had taken plenty of recreational wine classes, but to put her dream career in gear she wanted a program with real depth, and solid credentials. Her research took her to the WSET program. "It's a demonstrated level of knowledge that you've attained, and I wanted something that showed I had really applied myself." And, she notes, "It's part of the track toward a Master of Wine."
"That's the kind of credential you want on a résumé."
"It's easy to study things you know you like, but I appreciate that these classes push you to expand your horizons." Mich especially likes the personal touch that Mimi and Adam bring to the classes, "talking about their experiences at a tasting or a winery. That's what makes the book stuff personal. It all becomes more fun and real."
Networking is another important part of the program. "Oregon is a very small, personal wine industry," observes Mich. "People have to know you. They have to trust you." It helps that WSA students come from all aspects of the wine and spirits industries — and beyond, creating connections across industries.
"I thought I wouldn't be in my current position at Erath until a year from now."
It took determination, passion and perseverance — and a splash of good timing — all qualities Mich has in good supply. The WSA was part of the recipe, augmenting her knowledge and confidence, and elevating her credibility to those in the industry. "Even before I took the [Intermediate] class, the fact that I was signed up for it made an impression when I went to interview."
Mich has since continued on to the Advanced Certificate course. As she says of her WSA experience:
"My goals were met. I got my networking. I got my credentials."
And that fantasy wine job. You can congratulate Mich in person (and pick up some valuable career-changing advice) by catching her in action at the Erath Winery tasting room in the Dundee Hills. See their website for scheduling. Tell her we sent you.