Career Advisor Spotlight: Scott Minkoff '04

Skidmore's Career Advisor Network is a Skidmore-exclusive database made up of alumni and parents connected with the college.  These mentors are eager to share their career experiences and advice with Skidmore students.

Career Counselor Penny Loretto, who advises students in the Social Impact and Education career community, recently chatted with Scott Minkoff '04, who studied political science during his time at Skidmore.

Today Scott is an Associate Professor of Political Science at SUNY New Paltz where he teaches classes on American politics, local politics, public policy, and social science research methods. His research focuses on the geography of American politics with an emphasis on local government, budgetary politics, public policy, public goods, and social behavior.

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Penny:  Tell me why you enjoy being part of the Career Advisor Network.

Scott:  I am happy to discuss the opportunities, benefits, limitations, and challenges of pursuing a career in higher education, research, and/or data analysis.  I will be honest about which opportunities are realistic and which opportunities are not.

Penny: What is an example of career advice you give to Skidmore students?

Scott:  Don't go to graduate school until you are absolutely clear on what you want to get out of it.  Find the people that have the job you want to have and talk to them about how they got there and what they would have done differently.

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Thank you to Scott and all of our awesome career advisors!  If you're a Skidmore alumnus or parent and wish to serve as an advisor, please request an account here. 

Skidmore's career counselors encourage all students to take advantage of exploring the network.  Students can sign in to activate their account using their Skidmore login credentials.