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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Jason Sherwin '09 studied Management and Business and International Affairs at Skidmore. He is now Director of Strategic Partnerships, Healthcare at CLEAR 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 stayed at the same company (NYU Langone Health) for 10 years, but I was constantly looking for the next opportunity internally. I was always thinking about the next step to identify new opportunities. As a result, I worked infourdifferent roles in my time there.

Never get comfortable - you need to advocate for yourself to find the next opportunity. Things often don't come to you.  You need to take them!  I was able to get my MBA fully paid for, and completed my MBA on a part-time basis 

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

Networking. When you ask someone for 30-60 minutes, they'll almost certainly give it to you. People crave helping others;all you need to do is reach out. Leverage your Skidmore network, even if it requires a lot of "cold" reach-outs. My first job came as a result of a fellow Skidmore alum giving me time for an informational interview, and he subsequently referred me to Human Resources which helped me begin my path. 

Continue to network even when comfortable in a role. Build your network now, and it will reap rewards going forward.

Critical thinking skills are important. It sounds simple, but Skidmore taught me to approach problems in ways that other institutions don't. Use that to your advantage. 

Pay it forward. Help others and they will be more likely to go out on a limb for you in the future.  

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

Network, Network, Network! 

Business skills are highly sought after in healthcare. You don't need to be a doctor, an engineer with coding skills, etc. Healthcare companies - whether they be health systems, insurance companies, digital health companies - will value your critical thinking and communication skills that you developed at Skidmore.

Invest in yourself by considering grad school. MBA, MPH, MPA are the most sought after in healthcare.