Putting Work First: Early Careers of 9 US First Ladies

Though they're historically best known for their china pattern selections while in office, the first ladies of our nation boast pre-White House résumés that rival storied politicians. The last three women in chief achieved postgraduate degrees, while many before them dedicated themselves to public service long before becoming a national figurehead. Of course, some list jobs that are just as interesting as the Average Joe backgrounds of their husbands. Let's take a look back at where these bright women got their starts.

Source: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, National Archives, Library of Congress, and Getty