College Experiences That Helped a Partnership Manager at Island Press Succeed
Jen's undergraduate sociology degree, with a gender studies focus, unexpectedly equipped them with strong communication skills honed through "a lot of essays and papers," proving valuable in their career. The most crucial factor in their success, however, was following their own interests and pursuing studies that genuinely engaged them, proving that "listening to myself" was key to their career trajectory.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jen Hawse
Partnership Manager
Island Press
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Focus on skills, not just a specific job: Jen's sociology degree didn't lead to a direct career path, but the writing and communication skills she developed are highly valuable in her current role.
2. Follow your interests: Choosing subjects you're passionate about will make the learning process more engaging and help you develop a deeper understanding of the material.
3. Don't be afraid to take breaks or adjust your path: Jen took time off between her undergraduate and graduate studies, demonstrating that it's okay to take a break and find a learning approach that works best for you. It doesn't always have to be linear
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I studied what I wanted to study, so that would be my most successful. I have a sociology degree with a concentration or minor in gender studies.
I took classes that interested me because I'm not a professor and never went to grad school. I chose sociology because I really want to know what's wrong with all of us and why we are this way.
Psychology is cool; it explains why you are like this as an individual. But I really wanted to know why we are collectively doing this. Sociology requires a lot of writing, essays, and papers.
That writing helped me to refine my communication skills and hone in. I think it really was listening to myself and giving myself what I needed. I wasn't a school person, which is why I never went back. I struggled.
I took a year off between my associate's and bachelor's degrees because I just didn't want to do it. But if I was going to do it, I was going to do it on my terms, and I did. That's what set me up for the most success: really learning what I like.