Spotlight on Natural Sciences Alumni: Kali Crandall
Name: Kali Crandall
Age: 26
Education (UR and additional): B.A. in Brain and Cognitive Science & Studio Arts, University of Rochester, 2008; M.A. in Arts and Cultural Management, Pratt Institute
Current city/state of residence: New York, NY
Job Title: Manager of Institutional Giving
Employer: RIOULT dance company
Why did you choose to attend the University of Rochester?
I chose the University of Rochester because as a Rochester native, I always imagined that “this” was what college was. After traveling to several other schools and not feeling the same “college-vibe” as I did at the University of Rochester, I knew this was where I wanted to spend the next four years or my life.
When and how did you choose your major?
I choose my first major, Brain and Cognitive Science, midway through sophomore year and my second major, Studio Arts, as a second semester Junior. I entered the University of Rochester with the intention of becoming a psychology major. After testing the water a bit and finding that I was not challenged to my full potential in the psychology field, I started taking a few BCS courses to see if they were more to my liking. Luckily, they were, and I enjoyed my learning experience through those classes. The second major, Studio Arts, came to me more fluidly. I always was a dancer, and the arts were an important part of my life. After taking a few studio art courses and finding out about the “Art New York” program that would allow me to live in Manhattan for an entire semester, I was hooked. While in New York, I interned with a dance company called Paul Taylor Dance Company, which I have admired since I was a child. From there, I was able to acquire an internship with Garth Fagan Dance once I returned to Rochester for my senior year. After spending a year in Rochester after college, I finally secured my first “real” job in New York City with the dance company RIOULT and have been able to move up within the company since.
What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?
As a student, I was primarily involved with two groups, The Ballet Performance Group and Delta Gamma Fraternity. Both organization are student run and function much like the non-profit dance companies and institutions I interned at and volunteered for during my time at the University of Rochester. I held leadership roles in both organizations as the Fundraising Chair & Social Chair of The Ballet Performance Group and as the VP of Anchor Slam for Delta Gamma Fraternity.
What resources did you use on campus that you recommend current students use?
I didn’t use as many resources while on campus as I should have. I would suggest that current students look into the career center for internships and career listings. Also, I would recommend that current students indentify the person whose job you want most in the world and figure out what got them there. Using your student status, interview that person (and as many other people in the field you desire to end up in) and figure out what their career trajectory was. This will give you a better picture of what you will need to do to get there.
Who were your mentors while you were on campus? Have you continued those relationships?
On campus, my biggest mentors were the studio arts faculty members. They took the time to get to know me as an individual and really help me to identify what I could do to promote myself as an artist and as an arts administrator, even though, at the time, I’m not sure I realized its value. Allen Topolski had the largest role in helping me stay focused academically. I have the opportunity to continue this relationship and am thankful for that.
What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?
Immediately after graduation I moved home as most college students do and began the hunt for a job. During the first six months of an unsuccessful job hunt, I took a part-time job at Wegmans and did a bunch of temp jobs throughout the city of Rochester. Eventually, I wound up working at a private pre-school as their dance instructor. Although it wasn’t part of my plan, I knew it was at least something that continued to keep dance in my life, and I knew that future employers would question my resume if it had large gaps in employment. Finally, I decided that the only way to get the jobs that I wanted, which were all located in the New York City area, was to re-locate there no matter what the cost. I decided the best way for me to do this was to apply to Masters programs in Arts Management in New York City. I was successfully accepted into both programs I applied to. After committing to Pratt Institute’s Arts and Culture Management Program, which allowed me to work full-time while attending school full-time on the weekends, I easily located my ideal job at the dance company RIOULT in New York City.
What do you do now and why did you choose this career?
Currently, I am the Manager of Institutional Giving at RIOULT dance company. I was promoted to this role after the completion of my Masters at Pratt Institute. Previously, I held the position of Development Associate and Operations Manager.
What skills, tools, or knowledge from your major have been most useful to you since graduation?
The most useful tool I’ve used from both majors is the ability to write comprehensively and persuasively. As the manager of Institutional Giving, I write on a daily basis. Without the University of Rochester’s focus on developing strong writers, I do not think I’d be able to accomplish my work on a daily basis. Other useful skills were gained for my internship experiences.
How do you balance your work and personal life?
It’s hard. I always try to make sure I have at least three nights a week free for myself, but I am constantly attending work functions and networking events in the evenings.
Where would you like to be in five years?
I hope to still be in the non-profit dance field or in another arts related field.
How are you still connected with the University?
I am still connected to the University of Rochester through friends and family. My younger brother is currently a student and my father works at the University. Also, I am part of a new networking group in the city that was just started in the past year, the University of Rochester’s New York Metro Women’s Group, specifically for women alumni in the city and its vicinity.
What advice do you have for current students?
My advice for current students is to take as much time as you can to intern in your field of interest. Internships during college allow you to gain real working experience that will put you ahead of the game when applying to positions after college. Also, I would tell current students to enjoy themselves and the abundance of friends and acquaintances that they currently have while in school. Developing strong bonds with other students will be beneficial to you once you are no longer a student at the University of Rochester.
