The Skidmore College Career Development Center believes that the principals of the Chaos Theory of Careers to be most applicable for liberal arts students in the current economic climate. In this model, career development is recognized as a dynamic system characterized by complexity, interconnectedness, and susceptibility to change.

The following is part of the CDC’s Encouraging Stories Series featuring members of the Class of 2009.  During the last major economic downturn, these individuals exhibited these characteristics as they navigated the early stages of their own careers.  Below are stories and advice in their own words.

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Evan Pasha '09 Studied Exercise Science at Skidmore. He is now Community Medical Liaison at Syneos Health in Dallas, Texas. 

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path? 

Before having any intuition on what I was interested in majoring in, Skidmore afforded me the freedom to take a breadth of courses. When the deadline to declare a major finally approached, I simply chose the major in which I had taken the most courses. The Exercise Science degree opened avenues to independent learning and sparked interest in clinical research in humans. These experiences formed my path to my first job as a research technician, where I built upon my passions for science, research, and health.

After a few productive years, I realized I needed to take a step back and went to school to purse graduate training in Austin, TX where I earned my Masters and PhD. During this time, I not only studied hard, but also learned about what felt like a completely different culture down south. Being a student for 5 more years in a fun city didn't feel a lot like progress at times, but getting letters behind my name changed my earning ceiling with this degree type for the rest of my life. This led to staying in Texas for a post-doc with the intent of becoming a university professor and conducting clinical research. Instead, I transitioned to a role in industry where I apply everything I learned from my academic training to help doctors navigate clinical trial data.

Growth is not always linear. Sometimes you need to take a break, or return to school, or change industries. So long as you're in pursuit of happiness with a clear purpose, which may even involve smelling the roses), it is a good path.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period? 

Navigating graduate school on the cheap was a challenge. Having support from family is the ideal situation which I was able to benefit from. However, being resourceful to uncover ways to make money while in school is critical. Resourceful in this case was turning over every stone for academic scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistant job opportunities, and even becoming a kick-boxing instructor (I know nothing about kickboxing). There were also opportunities for tuition remission. While I was fortunate to have the security of a familial safety net, I was able to fully fund my graduate education and basically get paid to go to school. Further, I was able to pick up part-time work to add to the bank. Any opportunities I could find to put money in my pocket or keep money in my pocket, I took.  

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path? 

When we enter into uncertain times individually as we do with graduation, it's easy to hyper focus on the short term obstacles because of their pressing need. Square one looks like, how do I afford.... anything? The good news is you have completed exceptional training to address these immediate needs. What's important to keep in mind is that the path of overcoming short term obstacles should fit into some general long term path. You don't necessarily need to know what's at the end of that path, but your direction should be to move forward. Be cognizant of those times you overcame last minute deadlines, late nights in the library, spontaneous hangouts with friends, that time you tried the random school club out for a day. Rely on yourself first and foremost, because you are more powerful and capable than you think.

Second, find yourself a mentor to help guide you on your path. Going it alone is hard, but also not necessary. Find someone you feel comfortable talking to who is willing to listen to your ideas. This can be someone with similar professional goals, someone who is in a similar boat as you, or someone who has achieved what you hope to someday. It's easy to dismiss making these connections because you may not have a lot of experience and not a lot to offer them in return, but you'd be surprised with how much other people are willing to help. If one person doesn't work out, try someone else. I wouldn't be where I am if I hadn't had mentors at each stage of my academic training and career. Be invested in these relationships, meaning show up, and they will be exceptionally rewarding. Lastly, work hard. Opportunity looks a lot like hard work. Corny, but true.  

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