Megan Jackson of Skidmore's Career Development Center specializes in career exploration and undeclared students. If you're looking to learn more about majors and careers, the many career resources available to students, or just want to know how to get started on your career development, Megan is a key resource. 

Megan was recently interviewed by Haley English '19, Employer Outreach Assistant.

Tell me about yourself.

When I graduated in May 2009 with a BA in Sociology and Political Science, and as a First Generation student, adaptability and creativity were critical in finding a position in the harshest employment market since the Great Depression. Through networking, I learned about the field of higher education, and decided to pursue a MSEd in College Students Services Administration. During my program, I worked a number of side jobs, including nannying, events planner at a corn maze, waitressing, and recruiting events management, but it was worth all the hustle when I landed my first permanent position.

What community do you serve? 

Students Still Deciding.

What experience do you have working with these industries? 

 For the past five years I’ve specialized in supporting First Years in exploring career options, gaining experiences, and major selection. This new model opens my services to students of all class years. Additionally, I was a Student Still Deciding, nearly up to graduation. I declared 9 majors in my undergrad before declaring Sociology (which I didn’t even know was an option when I started), and found myself in a profession I didn’t realize was an actual job until second semester my senior year. I remember how it felt to not only have a plan, but not even know what my options were. My work is to help Skidmore students learn about their options, so they can make informed decisions.

What are some ways that students can gain experience on-campus?

There are many ways students can gain experiences, right here on-campus! Carefully select courses – those with projects can be presented as work experiences. Clubs, activities, and Student Employment are other ways to bolster that resume. Last, consider completing an internship in-town (maybe even for credit!) or volunteering to gain skills you want to leverage in the future.

What program are you most excited about this years? 

Next semester, I will be taking small groups of students on field-trips into town to take tours of a variety of workplaces, to get a feel for what different jobs are like. These will be half-day trips, that will fit perfectly into busy schedules!

Favorite resource for this community? 

 Living the Liberal Arts – this resource provides information on every major, and reports what graduates are doing within 6 months of graduating from Skidmore, as well as what people are doing up to 25 years later. It also provides suggestions about career communities to join, if you are enjoying what you are reading.

Career Coaches are another of my favorite resources. These trained peers who can help provide basic career development information, and they know exactly how you feel (because they were there too!). Career Coaches are available Monday – Friday, 1 – 4 PM.

 Final words of wisdom?

Say “Yes."  Be open to opportunity. Make plans, but plan for your plans to change. Realize that sometimes, by making plans, you are closing out other options, so maybe make loose plans. Maybe don’t even call it a plan – instead think more of a “career guideline”. You can’t control every variable in career development, so instead, control what you absolutely can (i.e., is your resume ready?), know what you’re about, and be ready to adapt when plans change. Also, I’ll never shame you for not coming in sooner. It doesn’t matter. It’s water under the bridge. The first day you come into the office is already the best day. Let’s have a best day soon.