“My liberal arts education enables me to understand, appreciate, and take an interest in those professions, and to understand the systems in place that shape their functions.”
Majors: History and Political Science
Lives in: Arlington, VA
What work looks like: “My company helps colleges, universities, hospitals, museums, and other non-profits find and fill leadership positions. We travel to those locations around the US, meet the people and their communities, and then recruit and evaluate candidates who can support each organization’s current and future needs.”
What he loves about it: “I love meeting and interacting with a wide variety of talented people at all stages of their careers who are looking to make a positive difference in people's lives. There are so many people in education and other non-profits who truly want to help others, and that energy is infectious.”
What he gained from a liberal arts education: “It sounds cliché but reading and writing well are crucial skills in many lines of work, including mine. I am able to relate to people of all interests, backgrounds, and ambitions with empathy and kindness—traits we never fail to undervalue in our society. I work with hundreds of people in every industry imaginable, but I don't need to be an expert in each industry. My liberal arts education enables me to understand, appreciate, and take an interest in those professions, and to understand the systems in place that shape their functions. You don't have to be a niche industry expert to be successful! Also, I work with people who change careers every day, and it’s important to remember that your first job will not be your last.”