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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While at Skidmore, Kristen Leigh Martin '09 studied Management and Business with a minor in Creative Writing. She is now Treasury Analyst II for New Balance in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

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

I graduated in 2009 (similar economic environment to where we are now). There were people who had years of experience in their field, who weren't able to find jobs. It was hard to compete with the people who already had the experience.

I started as a contract hire in banking. I was able to transition my career from banking into an accounting role, and then into a finance role. The finance role was where I eventually wanted to end up. I had to take any job that I could get, and use creative thought, to slowly pivot and build my skill set for the job that I eventually wanted to have. It took a few years and a few jobs, but in uncertain times you need to rely on creative thought and "outside the box" thinking to get yourself where you want to be.   

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

Before and after graduation, I heavily relied on the Skidmore Career Development Center! I attended the CDC's 'satellite nights,' where the Career Development Center had set up networking events in Boston, and had staff to help with resumes and networking. These were great ways to meet and network with fellow Skidmore alumni.

I thought that career services wassomething that I would really only use while I was at Skidmore, but I have found myself using career development services more post-graduation. 

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

Start by building a network! Connect with your friends on LinkedIn, find other alumni via LinkedIn, send them messages and ask to speak with them via phone (or grab a coffee).  After the phone call, follow up! It's really important to stay top of mind when using your network to help find a first job. In my case, I did not land my dream job at the beginning. I was a contract hire. It's hard to put in four years of hard work at Skidmore and graduate just to get a contract job, but sometimes just getting your foot in the door is a win!