Encouraging Stories: Ryan Bailey '09
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.
Ryan Bailey '09 studied Environmental Studies and Economics at Skidmore. He is Project Developer with Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. in Durham, New Hampshire.
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 is 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!