PERSPECTIVES
from the Class of 2009

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
I am a freelance writer who often works mostly remote and has many clients. While most people report to the office 9-5, I report to my home office desk and make my own hours. I love the freedom and having the chance to tackle multiple projects at once—sometimes I'm writing an article about wine, sometimes I'm writing micro UX copy for a healthcare app, and sometimes I'm writing marketing press releases for a makeup company. Having Skidmore College on your resume goes a long way—I've actually had people in interviews say to me "wow, that's impressive" and "ok, you must be smart!"

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
As a contractor and freelancer, the thought of not having typical job security is not for everyone. You're always wondering "what's next?" when your contract is up. Thus, I always have a backup plan; even when I have a 40-hour a week client, I keep my other clients happy and do one-off articles on weekends. This way, I am constantly in their front-of-mind if they need some help. This has proved to be helpful during this pandemic, where everyone's job security is up in the air. Keeping my side hustle has saved me. Some clients are slashing budgets, so I've been constantly reaching out to editors and clients I've worked with prior and going through my virtual rolodex. In this industry, you grow a thick skin and get used to the word "no," so I just keep trying.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
The great thing about being a professional at writing and editing is someone, somewhere is always going to want your input. Stories always must be told! If you decide to work full time as a writer somewhere, consider keeping your side hustle too—even if it's just one or two short projects a month. In times I have lost my full-time job, having a few clients I could reach out to and do one-off projects and articles for has saved me while I looked for more work. That said, don't bite off more than you can chew. I have made that mistake before, and it's very overwhelming. If you have too much work, be transparent with your clients and ask for a deadline that works with you UP FRONT (not after time has passed and your work is late). Trust, they will appreciate your honesty. Don't fear rejection—that's part of the industry, and in some ways, it can be helpful if you use the feedback to move forward. Keep pitching and keep trying! Don't burn bridges!!! It's a smaller industry/world than you think... If you have the chance to go to a networking event or a publicist/client wants to meet for coffee, GO! Meeting people face-to-face shows you are putting in the effort and they will remember you down the road for opportunities. Also, always keep your resume, professional website/blog, and LinkedIn completely up to date. You never know when the perfect opportunity needs to be filled ASAP. Have recruiters looking out for you as well—I personally work with at least 3 regularly.

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
All of it has been non-linear. If you don't go into a trade or something super specialized, your path will also probably be non-linear. That's because our economy is wack and has been for a long time. But it also means if you enjoy changes of pace, as I do, you will have some freedom to try new things. Not all employers will look at that as a good thing, but it's the sign of a good place if they see your breadth as a positive. Skidmore helped me with this, I think, because I was part of small, intense departments where I had a lot of personal mentorship and development. It was my personal connection to professors that helped me build the confidence to enter the job market boldly, and oftentimes that pays off.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
As a recent graduate I was still young enough to feel invincible in some ways. I moved to San Francisco and got a job in tech and was very happy there for a number of years. I hate working in tech, I always have, and the more "tech" the more I hate it. However, they were good paying jobs in fun cities and I didn't have the luxury of being picky. My background in philosophy and analysis proved very helpful in a) having men in tech take me seriously and b) honing my logical thinking for computer languages. The skills I used most were the ones that taught me to find the parts of the job/company that I liked and continue pursuing them, not unlike a liberal arts college experience. By inching my way closer to the things that interested me instead of the things that would most obviously help me get ahead (and in which I had no interest) I found cooler and more fulfilling jobs. But then this virus hit and it's a reset button for my career in some ways. That's ok, too. Capitalism would rather wring what little it can out of you before discarding you; someone will hire you. That's another solid piece of advice: really way more bills are negotiable than you think. In general, a lot of things are negotiable if you just keep pushing. Credit card bills stacked up? Tell them you can't and won't pay the full amount, they'll work with you to get ~something~ out of you and then leave you alone. To survive (assuming you don't have oodles of family money, which you very well may, dear reader! If that's the case, please be grateful and try not to fall in the trap of pretending you have it just as bad as some of the other folks you know; you don't), but to survive you need to get scrappy. Tell lots of people you're looking for work, tell them what you're interested in, ask mutual connections to put you in touch with someone they know, be kind, be appreciative, try to help others out when you can. Ask for help when you need it!

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
I'm sure "similar backgrounds" is meant to be taken in the academic sense, but if you don't have a huge financial safety net, neither did I. It is really scary, and to be perfectly honest this virus situation is nothing like the 2008 crash. But like 2008, and even moreso now, we're all in this together. Find the people who are kind and supportive and nurture those relationships. Whether it's a job referral or a lead on an apartment or anything else, your community will be the safety net you need even if you don't have a financial one. Be active in your community, take care of them and they will take care of you. Finally, the rules are all changing day to day. Don't be afraid to take a risk. Bailamos: nothing is forbidden anymore.

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
At Skidmore I was incredibly focused on working in the art world and started my career in museums. While a student, I took advantage of a multitude of experiences to determine what sector of art I wanted to go into (worked at the Tang, interned at the local non-profit arts organization, started a program for Art students to exhibit on campus, ran the arts review magazine, etc). I ended up working in museum collections for a couple years then transitioned into art consulting and then decided to ultimately break from art. I had been very focused and reached a point where I wasn't excited about it or challenged in the way I wanted to be anymore. Building multidimensional core skills such as an organizational aptitude, attention to detail, and creative problem solving benefited me greatly to transition from being deep in the art world to practically any industry. I hopped around in similar project manager/operations manager roles across executive recruiting, a large law firm, a radio network, and landed in advertising which brought me back to a somewhat creative environment that I had missed. I think more than the skills, the ability to adapt and pivot seamlessly has been at the root of my ability to change paths so much

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
Creativity and adaptability. I haven't had a strong direction in my career since leaving the art world but I have understood more about the core functions of a job that I enjoy. I've researched industries and jobs and made a point to seek out conversations with people along the way to determine if certain industries might be a good fit. Taking initiative and being willing to probe and gather information as a part of the process is key to growing your network and building a foundation for your path.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
Try to look for the secondary and tertiary paths. It's easy to get tunnel vision when you're focused on one goal but there are endless branches that surround that path that could provide exciting and surprising opportunities to explore.

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 Skidmore Career Services! I attended the Career Services 'satellite nights'. Career Service set up a career fair in Boston, and had staff from school at these events to help with resumes and networking. These were great ways to meet and network with fellow alum's. I thought that career services was something that I would really only use while I was at Skidmore, but have found myself using their 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 alum's 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 4 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!

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 in 4 different 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. - Continuing to network even when I was comfortable in my role. Build your network now, and it will reap rewards going forward. - Critical thinking skills. 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.

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, no 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 health care, 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, it'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 windowsill 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, while 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 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 masters 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?

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
I started out with an interest in art history and art conservation. Took chemistry courses and decided to jump into chemistry major.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
My work at the forensic laboratory is considered "essential" do to our role in public safety.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
Continue to advance yourself and gain skills. The world of science is quite varied and broad in career paths. Most of the chemistry jobs are not necessarily "wet" chemistry bench work.

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 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 lead 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.

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
I knew I wanted to work in the environmental field, but the jobs I took to get where I am today were all over the place. I started as a tennis instructor/ski bum in the heart of the 2009 recession, then went to Americorps, where I worked in the conservation field, then went to an environmental economics/analysis consulting firm, then back to grad school before landing at my present position. That winding road, including my season and a half as a ski bum, let me explore what my interests really were. While I lost some time when compared to people who jumped right into renewable energy from undergrad, it kept me employed through a recession, and let me sample lots of different interests.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
Aside from work specific skills, a liberal arts education helps. Compared with someone with a a more technical undergrad degree, liberal arts degrees set you up with the skills needed to navigate lots of different roles, and the ability to succeed in those roles. I've realized liberal arts graduates are creative problem solvers. They look critically at challenges, and don't just follow a script. Aside from that, Skidmore set me up with just enough technical skills to secure an entry level job. Statistics, economics, an understanding of environmental problems, and the ability to complete research projects, were all key to landing my Americorp position and, subsequently, my role at a consulting firm. More than anything, hard-work and a willingness to be flexible are keys to growth. Your dream job today will be different than your dream job a year from now.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
Graduating into a recession is scary, but it also creates lots of opportunity. The traditional path might be closed for a bit, so this gives you a chance to explore a passion. Maybe it is skiing (that was mine), or political organizing (there is an election coming up!). Now's a good time to check those things out. It also reveals the growing industries from those who might be in decline or stuck in a steady state. One example comes to mind. Environmental non-profits or advocacy organizations, which might be supported by donors, might be freezing hiring for the foreseeable future. Alternatively, the renewable energy industry is still hiring. The amount of job postings is one of the most reliable indicators of growth, and as a newly minted Skidmore graduate, going to a place that is growing should be a high priority. Growth creates opportunity. Good luck!

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
I studied abroad in England during my junior year at Skidmore and I remember Skidmore having a program that allowed students to teach English in China and was very interested in pursuing similar opportunities. Travel has always been a big passion of mine, so when I graduated in 2009, I spent the next 2 years touring with various bands and musicians around the US and Canada. Doing this allowed me to see the breadth and depth of my own country and inspired a larger curiosity about the world at large. This is why in 2012, I decided to move abroad to South Korea to teach English as an ESL instructor. I lived in Korea for 3 years total between 2012 and 2016, then moved to Australia for a working holiday. I returned to the US in September of 2018 and began the search for work in my home country, which I hadn't permanently lived in in 7 years. I was lucky enough to be hired by a study abroad organization based in Northampton, Massachusetts, where the skills I learned abroad directly informed my eligibility and value as a potential employee.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
Before living in Korea, I worked as a photographer for a local paper in the Berkshires, my home county. I often had to photograph various people and events and was always wracked with nervousness when I had to approach strangers to get their contact info in order to write my photo captions. When I moved to Korea, I was confronted with a significant language barrier in a country that was extremely different than my own, and it taught me to communicate in a myriad of ways (never underestimate how much a gesture can help!) and also forced me to become comfortable with the unknown. It also taught me how to be adaptable and boosted my confidence tenfold. When I returned to the US, being surrounded by English speakers felt like a cake walk, and it helped me feel more confident in striking up conversations with those unfamiliar to me in order to be as efficient as possible in the information I sought.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
While I realize the current pandemic precludes this for the time being, I highly encourage current graduates to consider traveling as a way to grow and learn more about themselves and their abilities. My experiences abroad made me a more valuable candidate in the field of international education and genuinely enhanced my adaptability, confidence, and knowledge of the world at large. If possible, I strongly encourage students to consider travel opportunities outside of Europe or English-speaking countries such Australia - while I have no doubt there is much to be learned by living in and experiencing these countries, I truly believe it will pale in comparison to living in a country that is 100% different than your own, such as Asia or Africa.

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
After Skidmore, I moved out to Colorado to explore job opportunities. I had intended to go to grad school but given the 2009 economic climate, I opted to try and get into the workforce. I decided to take a low-pay job to be in a state that I was excited to live. I saw paid internship opportunities through the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and decided to apply for one in Sport Performance. It combined my passion for research, working with athletes, and aspects of my degree. After the internship, I was able to stay within the Olympic movement, working for a National Governing Body, USA Triathlon. The diversity of my Skidmore education allowed me to adapt and facilitate each role that I served and I now oversee youth development programming which is something I didn't know I was passionate about until recently. I've been able to combine my education and experience to bring certain skills to my job.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
Adaptability. You might not land your dream job right now but taking jobs that have components of what you're passionate about is key.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
Be patient! Having a low-pay job as well as a paid internship was not ideal after graduating from Skidmore. However, learning how to do mundane tasks and challenging projects is something that set me up for success in my career today.

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
I took time off my Junior year to find my purpose and returned to Skidmore with a renewed sense of what I wanted to do with my life - teaching! For the past 10 years I carved out a career in education and international development. I studied abroad in Paris for my last semester at Skidmore, moved back to D.C. to begin a career in education, then moved to Ghana in 2013 to start a career in international development. Now I approach a new horizon by founding a company in sustainable fashion and giving work as a solution to overcoming economic inequities. It is not something I had all planned out, but I followed my intuition and it's become much more clear that I am doing what I am supposed to do.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
I did not go into the professional field of psychology, however, it was very helpful as an educator. Now I've realized that understanding human behavior is also really important to business as well. I keep researching and learning more from working with different people all over the world. People skills are the most important.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
Hustle, always be relentless in achieving your goals. Your dreams will come true, just not always when you expect them too.

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
After graduating in 2009, I moved back home with my parents and applied to - no exaggeration - 75 jobs. All were entry-level and required little previous work experience. I had done banquet serving at a local country club during summer breaks from college and had also worked at the Skidmore Cafe for all four years and it was looking more and more likely that the only position I had any chance of getting was as a barista. After being rejected from all of the positions I had applied to, a position that paid $10/hour plus benefits at a coffee shop wasn't looking too bad! About a week before interviewing at Starbucks, I heard about WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). I had studied abroad in Milan, Italy during my junior year and was desperate to return to Europe so instead of gearing up in the green apron and refining my latte-making skills, I filled out the application and was matched with an organic farmer in central Italy who produced wine and olive oil. It was hands-down the best decision I could have made. The unique experience of living in a remote area and doing farm work all day not only allowed me to meet some very interesting characters but it also set me apart from other applicants when I returned home and started the job hunt again. I met people from around the world, was able to travel more, and continued to hone my Italian language skills. By the time I returned to the States, the economy had improved enough that I was able to join the workforce. It helped that my Skidmore roommate from freshman year was working at an organization that had an opening and she put in a good word for me. That job led to every other career move I've made since then. Because of the people I met at that first job, I found positions with my subsequent two employers. What they say is true - it's all about who you know!

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
The number one thing I had to be was flexible. I thought it would be easy to find a job after college. Skidmore is a great school and I had been a good student with solid experience. As I continued to face rejection or worse, the dreaded lack of response to my applications, I realized it wasn't going to be as easy as I'd hoped or planned. I was very fortunate to have parents who were able and (I think!) happy to have me back at home during this time. I had assumed that I'd be living in the city with friends at age 22, working and dating and doing the things I'd always seen on TV and movies. Instead, I lived the rather unglamorous life of waking up in a sleepy central MA town, commuting 1.5+ hours roundtrip to work, and going home to a quiet night with my parents. Don't get me wrong, I truly valued this time with my family and was also able to save money on rent and utilities for when I finally was able to move out on my own. I know I wouldn't have made it through this difficult time without the love and support of my parents.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
I think the two most important things I learned from this difficult time were to take risks and to not be afraid to lean on family and friends. I don't know what my path would have been if I hadn't run away to Europe for a few months to escape the economic downturn and learn new skills. I likely would have taken the barista job, the expected choice, and missed out on the opportunity to try something completely unfamiliar. I know that my career path would have definitely been different had I not kept in touch with my Skidmore roommate and used the work connections she had to land that first job. Because of her, I was able to find a field I love and in which I have thrived. My life would have most assuredly been more difficult had I not had family who could take me in and offer me support as I navigated entering the workforce and landing on my own two feet. I would not have had the luxury of being able to take the risks that led to this path. I know how hard it can be to ask for help but sometimes it's just what you need to find yourself.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
After graduating from Skidmore, I took a temporary technician job working for a stream ecology lab at Idaho State University where I am from. 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 am Americorps 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.

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
When I graduated, all my peers were focused on finding work in the city, pursuing careers in areas they studied. I decided that I was going to come home to where I grew up to save money waitressing for 6 months, and then travel and explore what my heart was telling me to do. I wanted to be outside, in nature, and use my hands. I feel after years and years of traditional education, I wanted to learn in new ways, from experience. I decided to be a WWOOF volunteer in New Zealand for 6 months. WWOOF means "willing workers on organic farms" and I work traded for housing/car/food for 4-6 hours of work a day on 10 different farms/homesteads. I learned SO much about farming, but also learned a lot about myself and the lifestyle I wanted for myself. After New Zealand and a summer riding my bike across Europe camping every night, I was finally broke and went home to get a job. I decided to continue my passion, and worked at a local organic farm & kitchen. I have been here ever since, and my community relies on me and my farm to provide especially in this time. Im glad I didn't take the traditional route, and instead followed my passion and my lifestyle choice.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
I decided that I would put aside my pride and move back home and live with my parents. I would use my skills as a waitress to make money in a way I knew how, to buffer my future travel expenses. I think I also learned to use my education in non traditional ways, but still use the skills I aquired. My education at Skidmore always taught me that creative thought mattered. And once I could see that running a farm business used my psychology skills AND my artistic creative skills, I went all in. Everyday I manage people, and work with customers - I definitely rely on my knowledge about psychology and the mind. I also create all our signage, designed our website, established social media accounts and create content, and market to our customers. This is very much because I am artistic and creative, and I find I can use the farm as a creative outlet daily.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
Skidmore students are different. We are creative and we think outside the box. I think if you trust your self to find something that lights your soul on fire and you can look outside what others are telling you to do, you will find your purpose and navigate this hard time. You might just find yourself in a different career that is even more suited for you, like I did. Also, don't be afraid to take a job that you feel is "below" you after you just got your degree. Everyone is in this place right now, and honestly it really pays off to start at the bottom and work your way up in the workforce. Skills in the classroom don't always apply to real life, but you will learn new ones in whatever field you try.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECy6r6yA3wA

https://northforker.com/2019/01/sang-lee-farms-owners-named-organic-farmers-year/

https://slowfoodeastend.org/business-person-of-year-lucy-senesac/

https://suffolktimes.timesreview.com/2014/07/these-young-farmers-will-eat-and-plant-their-veggies/

In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
My career path since Skidmore started with a lengthy period of job searching, followed by five years working as a staff geologist at an environmental consulting firm. Five years later, it had become evident that I didn't enjoy the consulting lifestyle, and that my career had stalled. I had an opportunity to move to Oregon, which I took, then spent the next year seeking work. An environmental/political crisis caused Oregon DEQ to make some hires, an opportunity that I was able to make good on. My Skidmore experience informed this path by teaching me not to focus too much on just one thing; though I had a science focus in my studies, I had learned during those studies that everything is connected, and the political and historical worlds intersect with everything else, experience that later proved quite helpful in getting me to where I am today.

What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
Leaving Skidmore proficient in a large number of employable skills helped a great deal; employers were interested to see that I had GIS experience, and even more recently recruiters sometimes asked if I was interested in a GIS analyst job. I'd also had a lot of experience managing a variety of projects with SkidTV and picked up a lot of useful skills there as well. My Geosciences professors always stressed the importance of good writing, and that lesson is reinforced for me almost every day. My first manager told me that if my resume had a single mistake, he would have tossed it out without another glance. Strong writing is important in almost every field. You can have great ideas, but if you're unable to communicate them effectively, they don't matter. Every employer prefers a candidate who can write well. As my first job was a very technical position, computer proficiency was expected and mandatory - I was expected to learn new software, equipment, and procedures on the fly with little or no training. I think this has only become more true since then; everything continues to move faster. When I graduated from Skidmore, smart phones were still relatively new. Now everybody carries an encyclopedia and graphing calculator in their pocket, tools have become more sophisticated, and employers expect the people operating the tools to be more sophisticated as well.

What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
If you're pursuing a technical career, technical excellence is quite important. If you paid attention to your studies at Skidmore, you should have that technical excellence - but you need to demonstrate it to your potential employers. Your resume should be as good as you can possibly make it, tailored to the job you're applying to. The same applies to a cover letter. People on Skidmore's career advisor network can help. I asked for help back when I was starting out, and it made a big difference. I continue to offer that help to Skidmore students who ask for it. Don't write quickly - write well. Revise and re-revise. If you're considering a career in the environmental industry, we're entering a severe recession, and likely cuts to government spending and nonprofit budgets. You may have to be prepared to take a job that isn't exactly what you want in order to build up useful experience. Unfortunately, this may be even worse than the situation in 2009, which resulted in a glut of overqualified people competing for fewer positions. Remember to think broadly, rather than narrowly. Even the specialized environmental professional needs to know more than just their narrow area of focus. If you're considering a career in geosciences, take your fundamentals exam for professional geologist certification in the state of your choice now - if you can pass your exam, that can demonstrate your knowledge and technical skill to employers. Two skills useful for any professional these days - writing well, and programming. You don't need to be a novelist or a programmer, but more jobs than you might think can benefit from strong writing skills and even basic programming knowledge. Organizations now see a lot of resumes; the competition has become quite fierce. My workplace had a lot of PhDs applying for the job I was last promoted from, a position I considered closer to entry level. It's difficult to stand out from a pack, but you have to find a way. Networking can be very difficult, but that can help as well. Above all else, be patient. These will be difficult times. It may be months before you hear anything at all. Don't be too picky, and don't give up. Ask for help anywhere you can get it. Good luck.