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.

---

 

Vanessa Weber '09 studied English at Skidmore. She is now a recruiter at Real Estate & Construction in New York, NY.  

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

I became a recruiter last year, focusing specifically on real estate and construction placements, thanks to a dear friend who made the case for my transition. I love it because I've connected with interesting, purpose-driven, engaged people, which in turn gives me energy and drive. It reminds me very much of the feeling I used to get when I interviewed students and faculty for my SkidNews articles. The presentations I put together for my candidates are mini articles that share their stories, not unlike the faculty Q&A or student human interest stories I used to write.

The question I seem to get asked a lot these days is: How can I make myself more relevant in today's economy? The answer is, you can't. Unless you are also an MD, or can drive an ambulance, or otherwise offer your services in healthcare, I would suggest learning to garden... These are nutty times and the biggest mistake we can make is in thinking that we are not valuable. We certainly are, andit's our unforgiving capitalist economy that needs to go.

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

Not having the wherewithal to invest heavily in pharmaceuticals, or consumer staples, and not having a robust garden and farm to eat from (a la Martha Stewart) so as to avoid grocery store outings, I don't actually believe there are any secret troves of knowledge or special skills anyone can use to navigate these times.

The solace I'm finding is similar to how many people are coping: cooking, reading, talking with family and friends... That said, I think there are certain "tricks" and tips one can do to add levity to their personal spaces: cleaning and clearing clutter, re-organizing your room for fresh perspective, re-growing scallions on your window sill because it's satisfying to watch them sprout... All these fun tips can be learned online. It just takes will and a little energy.  

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

When I graduated school,  it was during one of the worst recessions of our time.  I was sure I would easily craft a robust career because I was a smart, educated woman. Not so. Most of my jobs have been the result of chance and my network.

Keep as many friends around as possible! If I could re-do my life, I would have continued to pursue a BA in English (because I loved it so much), learned to love math at the same time, gone straight to grad school for a Master's in real estate finance, and tried to find a job as an acquisitions analyst for a real estate investment management firm.

This is just one example of a traditional career path that seems to bear fruit, but I've found that through recruiting, the people who are superficially successful (making real money, can afford to buy an apartment in the city, etc) are those who were groomed into a plan and followed each step to the T. These people are pedigreed, speak beautifully, are confident, and super sharp. The liberal artists I know, the ones who were allowed to explore their own interests without a business plan like myself, are less financially sound. While the virus is seemingly halting every market sector excepting consumer staples and logistics, people who are in charge of investments in finance are still doing just fine.

I wonder if the virus will actually affect real change?