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In November 2005, Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine and Dream in You, a firm specializing in career transformations, announced a national Dream Job Contest. More than 3,500 people entered the contest in hopes of winning a prize package valued at between $16,500 and $21,500 to help them transform their careers into the dream jobs.
Contestants submitted short, online essays describing their dream jobs and the steps they had taken to make them come true -- such as enrolling in classes to develop new skills, launching a sideline business or identifying an untapped market. They were judged on their passion and creativity as well as the soundness of their plan.
In February, we chose 25 semifinalists, who submitted videos expanding on their aspirations. Then we narrowed it down to four finalists: Richard Ahlquist, Jeane Duane (Alternative Cook)and Cecilia and Jason Hilkey (Pathways Therapy and Assistive Technology). They attended an awards luncheon in April at Kiplinger's headquarters in Washington, D.C., where they each received $5,000 in cash, plus certificates for $5,000 worth of new Sharp computer equipment that was delivered to their homes. They also began their career-transformation process by meeting with Elizabeth Kanna and Sherri Smith, co-founders of Dream in You.
Over the next three months, Kanna and Smith worked with the winners to assess their skills, analyze the market viability of their business plans, and review their financial and legal needs to create the framework for their new businesses. Kanna and Smith also paired each winner with a celebrity mentor in their field to provide insight and inspiration. Read the stories below to meet our winners and follow their progress.
Meet Our Winners
Find out what made our Dream Job contest finalists stand out among more than 3,500 entries. Read their essays and watch their videos.
Winners Begin Their Career Transformation
The top four contenders in our contest take the next step.
Dream Jobs at a Turning Point
Two winners move closer to their goals. Another changes course.
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