Grad shares one-on-one advice

Zach Stiller '17 and Rob Resnick '88 are decades apart but have shared an important journey, exploring Stiller’s post-Skidmore options.

Resnick, recently retired as an attorney in the Army's Judge Advocate General Corps, calls his military career "an incredible public service opportunity and an adventure." He says, "Skidmore academics set me up for the success, especially the emphasis on thinking and problem-solving."

Stiller says, "My history classes have been pivotal in synthesizing what I've learned in both the history and political science departments. Beyond the classes, professors taught me how to think and look at the world and the opportunities out there." He also studied in Copenhagen, Denmark, and says, "Skidmore gave me the academic base to make the most of that opportunity abroad."

When Stiller was seeking "real-world advice," political science professor Bob Turner gave him Resnick's contact information and recommended that he ask him about the pros and cons of a military career, which Stiller had been weighing. What followed were email and phone exchanges to help focus Stiller's vision of his future.

"It has been extremely useful for me," Stiller says, "to brainstorm ideas with someone who has followed a similar path to what I may also like to accomplish. The decisions are mine to make, but it is so important to make well-educated decisions." He adds that he would "absolutely" encourage other students to forge partnerships with alumni.

Even as a law student and a new law-school grad, Resnick had helped Skidmore students to "navigate options." During his four terms on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, he often came to campus meetings early specifically to speak with students, both in classes and individually. He says, "I'm not only happy but proud when professors provide my name to students and the students reach out to me."  He realizes that students may be hesitant "to cold-call alumni, but if the Career Development Center or a professor provides the name of an alum, they should know that the alum is truly willing. And we can be an excellent resource." —Helen Edelman ’74

Zach Stiller ’17 and Rob Resnick ’88 (Photo by Kiernan Klosek ’95)