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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Hannah Harris '09 studied Environmental Studies at Skidmore. She is now a streamflow protection biologist at Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in Burlington, Vermont.

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

After graduating from Skidmore, I returned to where I am from and took a temporary technician job working for a stream ecology lab at Idaho State University. I realized I loved field work but didn't want to be stuck behind a microscope all winter long. So I took a position as anAmericorps volunteer teaching environmental education the fall following graduation. After a year teaching environmental education in eastern Washington, I went back to school at Idaho State University where I got my master's degree in biology studying with the professor I had previously worked under. Taking positions that didn't pay well, working for Americorps and being a graduate research assistant allowed me to gain skills, experience, and education while the economy recovered. When I came out of graduate school,I again worked as a technician, this time for a consulting firm.  After that temporary job, I landed a full time position with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality where I worked for five years.  

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

The environmental field is very competitive and it's unlikely you'll ever make a lot of money. But that's not why anyone goes into the field. Generally, people love the outdoors and nature and want to make a living out of it. In this challenging economic time, it might be the perfect time to go back to school and get more education. A lot of organizations are unable to hire right now, especially seasonal workers, given the current economic challenges. Going back to school will allow the economy time to recover and put you in a better position at that time. For permanent full-time positions in the environmental field,it is very valuable to have a master's degree.