What resources did you use on campus that you recommend current students use?

One resource that I did not use until my senior year is the career center.  I worked with Emily Carpenter who helped my carefully navigate the job application process.  She helped keep me on track, making sure I was always on schedule for interviews and applications.  Importantly, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do after college when I first met with Emily.  She helped me think through my options to ensure that I wasn’t limiting myself. I’m very happy with where I ended up, and I give Emily and the career center a lot of credit for that.

Who were your mentors while you were on campus? Have you continued those relationships?

I’m sure I have too many mentors to name here, but I will mention a few.  Laura Ballou and Anne-Marie Algier in Wilson Commons Student Activities were both integral to my education. They taught me how to approach problems and how to navigate the University. Cam Schauf, Director of University Dining and Auxiliary Operations, really understands people and was always there to help me work through a problem.  Emily Carpenter in the career center helped keep me on track through the job application process.  The list could go on, but I’ll stop there.

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

After graduation, I went to work at a company called Columbia Books & Information Services, a publisher of online and print information about the government relations and trade association communities.  I had interned there for a few summers in college, so it was an easy transition back.  Although I applied and interviewed for a number of different jobs in different industries, I ended up back at this company.  However, it was very important for me to interview at other companies as well, because I don’t have any questions or regrets about ending up back here.  I learned how valuable the internship experience is, as it shaped my post-college career.

How are you still connected with the University?

I try to stay involved with UR as much as possible.  I’m a member of the Young Alumni Council, and we plan a number of events throughout the year in DC (happy hours, baseball games, etc.).  It’s a great way to bring all the DC Young Alumni together.  I also interview prospective students through the UR Involved program.  This helps me get an idea of the pulse of students coming into the University, and selfishly lets me brag about how great it is to be a Yellowjacket. I come back to campus every Meliora Weekend (and plan to do so forever…). I keep in touch with my friends on campus, both staff and students. And I work with a fellow UR alum, so we clearly talk about UR every day!

What advice do you have for current students?

When I was on campus, the advice I would give to incoming freshman was to do everything. While I still would encourage you to get involved with every activity and group that you are interested in, I would add a disclaimer: do everything, but find time for your friends.  It’s such a unique environment to live, study and work right next to all of your closest friends.  Although I do keep in touch with my friends from UR, I often miss being able to sit at my desk and just shout their name, or walk up a flight of stairs and sit on their couch.  Make sure to spend time with your friends, because they’re the people that you will stay in touch with forever.

When and how did you choose your major?

I chose to major in math at the end of my sophomore year. I had taken a bunch of math and physics classes, and had originally declared a physics major. But I was inspired by my math professor Naomi Jochnowitz to want to prove (and therefore understand) everything. It changed the way I thought about the world, and made me decide math was the major for me. It was a good choice for me: math opens a lot of doors.

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

I spent a lot of time playing violin in the University’s Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, as well as time in the music department playing chamber music. Access to great coaching and a fantastic music library at Eastman also helped further my musical development as someone not majoring in music. I currently still play a lot, and it is a fantastic way to meet interesting people from all walks of life.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

I analyze and visualize large data sets for PayPal. Data visualization requires a combination of analytical skills and an artistic sensibility that aren’t often found together, so it’s a cool niche. It’s also a lot of fun. Finding this career hasn’t been a straight path. Since I graduated, my formula for finding jobs has been “programming + domain specific knowledge = something fun”. The domains I have worked in include physics, photography, music, and now, visual arts.

What skills, tools, or knowledge from your major have been most useful to you since graduation?

The single year of computer science classes (CS 171 and 172) that I took have paved the way for my entire career. Lack of fear of math, more than any particular course I took in the math department, has also served me quite well. I’ve worked with experts in a lot of fields, from ecology to physics, and have been able to understand and implement their ideas due to that mathematical literacy and fluency.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

When you love what you do, finding that balance isn’t as hard; work doesn’t seem like as much of an imposition. But having activities that I also love outside of work forces me to make time for them. I have found myself showing up to work after having already been awake for five hours, so that I could drive to the coast to photograph sunrise over the water.

What advice do you have for current students?

You will be happiest in your career when you can do something you enjoy. And the job you might have ten years after graduating may not even exist or have a name now. Combining your passions with a solid skill set may take you much further than doing something that seems reliable that you don’t care about. Take a year of programming courses; they will change your life. And take enough math to not be afraid of it; math is everywhere!

When and how did you choose your major?

I chose to double major in studio art and art history and minor in religion during my sophomore year at Rochester. Throughout my life I have been drawn to art (no pun intended), but because I was always so focused on over achieving some of my true desires were compromised, such as making art. During college I finally realized it would be more advantageous to concentrate on a subject and discipline that I was truly passionate about than graduate with skills in a field I didn’t have interest in pursuing. Art continues to fascinate me because within it are infinite ways of viewing the world, since each individual perceives the world differently and therefore expresses art with uniqueness. I also believe that art of all kinds manifests the essence of what it means to be human.

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

I moved to Los Angeles because I felt chilled to the bone after four years in Rochester and also because LA has a thriving contemporary art scene. For a year and a half I was the assistant director of Sandroni Rey Contemporary Art Gallery, which I directly applied skills and knowledge I gained from my studies at Rochester. I decided to pursue fine art administration because I wanted to work within the field while building my own artistic portfolio and gain some life experience before pursuing an MFA.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

Seven years ago my own personal path hijacked my professional path, which forced me to take a new route all together. Although I loved making art and still am passionate about viewing art, the work of the fine art industry did not stimulate me as I had anticipated it would. I began missing the original reasons I was attracted to art, which was the connection I felt to each artist’s unique perspective on the world. Probably I felt detached from myself and consequently couldn’t feel attached to art.

I moved back to Denver, CO (where I grew up) to reflect and decide what was next. This led me back to very young interests of mine relating to counseling and psychology. I realized I needed to work with people on a deep and vulnerable level, but I needed to do so in a way that was not “analytical;” subsequently, I pursued an MA in transpersonal counseling psychology at Naropa University in Boulder, CO. Naropa was founded on the Buddhist belief, that it is not possible to learn if one’s mind is all ready full. Therefore their education is rooted in contemplation and all majors are required to maintain a meditation practice and receive training in mindfulness. This program is uniquely suited for therapists because as a psychotherapist/counselor/psychologist we use ourselves as vehicles for healing and insight, so it is essential that we build personal awareness and cultivate a practice for grounding and reflection so we’re better able to present and serve our clients.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

I stopped watching television seven years ago, which gave me lots of extra time even though I am very busy. It’s essential to have tools for self-care in place (exercise, socializing) built into my schedule so I have the energy to keep working hard professionally and giving to my family. When I notice I feel overwhelmed or over-extended I know it’s time to take a look at what’s happening in my world and make some changes.

What advice do you have for current students?

Find a path of study you are passionate about and realize that the way in which you manifest it in your future may change and that’s okay. This is one step in hopefully a long journey and the more you realize that, the less stressful the need to choose a path will be. If you’re the kind of person who has always known what you want to do with your life then congratulations it will be easier for you, but it will still benefit you to stay open to how your path unfolds and accept the subtle changes that will arise.

It’s okay to change, but whatever you choose commit to it and work hard because truly the personal reward you receive will be equal to the effort you invest

Why did you choose to attend the University of Rochester?

Interestingly, it was an interviewer from ANOTHER university – we were speaking about my interests, which at the time were mainly in the direction of medicine.  He was a medical doctor at a local hospital and ultimately he told me, “Well, if you have any interest in research, of the schools on your list, you should go to U of R.”  Probably one of the best pieces of advice I ever received.

When and how did you choose your major?

Honestly, I fell into it.  I was pre-med, and had to go through organic chemistry as does everybody on that track in their sophomore year.  I was pretty good in general chemistry, but it never really appealed to me that much.  On the other hand, I honestly loved organic chemistry.  It’s an unusual experience since most of the people you’re in class with really hate it and you almost feel obliged to pretend that you feel the same way.  All the time, you’re having fun drawing cyclohexane chairs in secret… not really, just kidding… sort of…

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

I was a TA for general chemistry and organic chemistry.  That was a great experience; I met a lot of really good people and felt like I had a role, albeit limited, in helping them along with their career and life aspirations.  I was also a student aid, which was always an interesting experience, although it’s pretty amazing how hard it can be to stay awake when you’re alone in some of the buildings on campus at night.

Who were your mentors while you were on campus? Have you continued those relationships?

Probably the most important were Professor Andy Kende and Professor Michael Calter, who is unfortunately not at U of R any longer.  I applied to an NCUR-REU program for summer research and Professor Kende amazingly recognized me from my exams in his organic class (I literally had never spoken to him before).  It still astounds me that out of 200+ exams that he could tell that a student had an interest in the subject – I certainly didn’t know for sure!  He asked me to do summer research in his lab and I accepted.  I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without that opportunity.  I worked with a fantastic, patient post-doc named Catherine Mineur and, along with Professor Kende, she taught me pretty much everything I needed to know as a beginning organic chemist.  Prof. Calter supported me as a fifth-year master’s student in his lab and basically gave me the direction and confidence to enter graduate school as a doctoral candidate.  We still keep in touch to this day and I am still close with a number of his graduate students.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

I’m a medicinal chemist at Pfizer.  I spent a few years at Merck doing similar work as well.  We carry out drug discovery in a number of therapeutic areas, although I work in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases specifically.  I’ve worked on a few projects that are currently at various stages in clinical trials, hopefully on their way to becoming drugs for people who need them.  I love what I do – it’s on one hand frustrating, stressful, and oftentimes unappreciated, but also personally and intellectually satisfying and it has a very real impact on global health.

What advice do you have for current students?

Talk to your professors.  I didn’t do enough of this, but they are a huge resource and they have invaluable insights into the fields you may be interested in.  If you even have the slightest interest in science, do undergraduate research.  As much as the lab courses try to teach basic skills, they really give very limited insight into what a real up-to-date lab operates like (for example, I HATED undergrad organic chemistry lab but I love doing organic chemistry).  Try to enjoy your classes – believe it or not, there will come a day that you will miss having the opportunity to sit and listen to experts in various fields who are there just to teach you.

When and how did you choose your major?

I decided to major in computer science after taking my first programming class. I loved the creative problem solving aspect of programming, as well as the satisfaction of building something useful and concrete. Unfortunately I didn’t discover computer science until the end of my sophomore year, so I had to overload my schedule and take summer school to finish on time! But it was well worth it.

What skills, tools, or knowledge from your major have been most useful to you since graduation?

Having a background in computers has been indispensable, (and very marketable), post-graduation. I regularly use my programming skills and algorithm design and analysis knowledge on the job. The most useful tool I’ve gained from my major, however, is the ability to think clearly about complex and abstract problems.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

I work at a space systems research and development center for the US government. My responsibilities vary widely, from orbit design to developing simulation software. I chose this career because I enjoy interdisciplinary, science-based environments; I can make use of both my skills as a mathematician and as a computer scientist, and because space research is just cool.

How are you still connected with the University?

I loved the time I spent at U of R, so staying connected, even from the West Coast, is really important to me. I always swing by the computer science department for a visit when I’m in the Rochester area. From Los Angeles, I conduct alumni interviews for prospective students, contribute to the University’s Meliora Challenge initiative, and attend the occasional alumni social event.

What advice do you have for current students?

College is really such a wonderful, transformative time in your life, so be bold and make the most out of it: Explore something completely foreign to you. Get involved on campus at the risk of over-extending yourself. Be academically adventurous. Cultivate big dreams.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Rochester?

During my junior year of high school, I was assigned to write a paper for English class in which I researched three different colleges and selected the one that seemed to be the best fit for me. The college I chose was the University of Rochester, which at that time appealed to me for its strengths as a research institution, because I intended to study biology and ultimately pursue a career in genetic research (you’ll notice from my profile information that I wound up on a rather different path!). As a high school senior, I visited the U of R for the first time, and the moment I set foot on campus, I knew it was the place for me. That knowledge wasn’t based on any amount of earlier research or facts of any sort; it was simply an intuition based on the way I felt walking the grounds and touring the buildings. The only way I can describe it is to say I immediately felt at home. I still feel that way about the U of R to this day.

When and how did you choose your major?

In the end, I graduated with a double major in religion and psychology, but I changed my mind more times than I can count. Before I started at the U of R, I planned on majoring in biology. But I’ll never forget when the course catalogue arrived in the mail, the summer before my freshman year. I remember poring over the catalogue and realizing what a wide world had just opened to me. So many interesting subjects – anthropology, psychology, music, religion, philosophy, brain and cognitive sciences – I suddenly felt I had to try them all. I nearly did! By the time I graduated, I had dabbled in every subject listed above, and I had even declared majors that I later “undeclared.” (For those of you who are currently struggling with the decision of a major, rest assured that there is nothing wrong with changing your mind. I’m living proof!) Psychology was one of the subjects I gravitated towards early on, and I wound up sticking with it mainly as an interest (but not a professional pursuit). My introduction to the religion and classics department came through a course taught by Douglas Brooks, The Asian Search for Self. I like to jokingly say that was the course that “converted” me to being a religion major. It inspired me not only to pursue studies of South Asian religions and the Sanskrit language, but also to teach those subjects one day myself (again, you’ll note I wound up doing something a little different).

Who were your mentors while you were on campus? Have you continued those relationships?

The professors at the U of R, in my mind, are all exemplary teachers and mentors. Their passion for teaching and their investment in us as students is something that impresses me to this day. It’s what made me want to be a teacher myself, and although I wound up in a different career, I will always treasure the important relationships I formed with U of R faculty. In particular, Jonathan Geen, who at the time taught Sanskrit in the religion and classics department, became a very close mentor and dear friend over the course of my studies. We remain in contact over email, even though he now teaches at King’s University College in Ontario, Canada. Additionally, I am also still in touch with Daniel Harrison, who taught music theory, which I studied as part of my Take Five Scholars program. Dr. Harrison has also since left the U of R and currently teaches at Yale University.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

Currently I am Exhibition Coordinator for the Cleveland Museum of Art. I have held this position since September 2011; prior to that, I was Exhibits Coordinator for the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University for nearly five years. I discovered the Peabody Museum while studying at Harvard Divinity School; I met with a curator there while researching for a paper, and that conversation got me thinking about a museum career for the first time. That same curator later gave me a work study job in her department, followed by a temporary job after I graduated. My foot now in the door, I floated from one temporary appointment to the next, until the Exhibits Coordinator position was posted, and my boss at the time encouraged me to apply. I knew nothing about exhibition planning and very little about museum procedures in general, but I learned very quickly on the job and had a blast in the process. The position at the CMA was the ideal next step for me, because it represented the opportunity to advance in the museum world as well as cross over into the arts. Additionally, I am originally from the Cleveland area, so I have always admired this museum, and I am also glad to be near family again.

What advice do you have for current students?

Savor every moment! Honestly, you won’t believe how quickly time goes by. My decision to attend the University of Rochester is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and at the risk of sounding cliché, it truly changed my life. There is so much to appreciate about the U of R – the incredible faculty, the beautiful campus, your friendships with fellow students, all of the available programs and resources – and my best advice is really just to take advantage of as much as you can. You won’t regret it.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Rochester?

When I was a senior in high school considering my options for college, I had decided on two areas of study that I was interested in majoring in: Computer Science and psychology. Due to that, the schools I looked at were split into two groups: tech schools for CS and liberal arts schools for psych. When I came to the University of Rochester, I had a meeting with the chair of the CS department, who asked me what I wanted to major in. When I explained my situation, he simply said “why don’t you come here and do both?” Aside from being in love with the culture and atmosphere of the U of R, this sealed the deal.

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

I was in several dance groups, a CSUG e-board member, involved in ResLife, and a few other clubs here and there, as well as a TA/Workshop Leader. Aside from a way to get out, try new things, and meet new people, getting involved in the leadership of those clubs had an incredible impact on my growth and experience at the U of R. I still use examples from various e-board positions when interviewing for positions, and it really brought my learning out of theory in the classroom to practice in the real world. Working with students across majors/interests is an incredibly valuable lesson in teamwork.

What resources did you use on campus that you recommend current students use?

Definitely do whatever you can to get involved in something that isn’t just academics. I fully believe that the college experience is about more than just what’s taught in the classroom. Check out the Activities Fair and the various clubs and activities available on campus – they can have a huge impact on your time at the University. Also, don’t be afraid of the career center: they’re there to help. They’re an incredible resource, and can really improve your job/internship search process.

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

I decided to go straight to work as a software developer when I graduated because I was a little tired of academia after so many years, and I also wanted to get some good real world experience in software development/the software industry. After discovering that pure software development wasn’t exactly what I wanted, I decided to leave my first job for a position as a UI Designer, which is more in line with what I focused on in college and what I am truly interested in/passionate about.

What skills, tools, or knowledge from your major have been most useful to you since graduation?

One of the greatest things you learn while at the U of R, whether you recognized it or not, is the ability to adapt (especially when it comes to computer science). We’re taught many things while in college, but not many of those things directly apply to the real world. What learning all of those things teaches us, though, is the ability to learn and to adapt yourself to a variety of tasks, and to constantly be learning and reinventing yourself. This plasticity is one of the most valuable assets in the job market today.

How are you still connected with the University?

I keep in touch with a lot of my underclassman friends that are still at the University, as well as a handful of my now-fellow-alumni friends. I usually make a trip back every semester to catch up with folks and to see the BPG show every semester, as I was heavily involved with that group in my time. I read all of the newsletters and publications that come from the U of R, and occasionally drop by the homepage/other group pages just to keep tabs on things.

What advice do you have for current students?

Get involved with something. Your education is more than what you learn in class, and getting yourself involved in something you’re really passionate about will keep you connected to the University far beyond your years there. It’s a way of leaving your mark on the University, and having something to point to and say “I did that.” The experiences you’ll gain from those challenges will be indispensable in the scope of your entire education, and you’ll enjoy school a lot more than if you just go to class and study.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Rochester?

The University of Rochester gave me a Bausch and Lomb Award in my senior year of high school which sparked my interest.  I recall U of R being “not too big,” but still having a wide range of majors that interested me.   In my case, the generous financial aid package and low interest loan options were also the most financially prudent choice, even as compared to the SUNY system.

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

As a student I played softball for the University of Rochester and was a member of SWE, AICHE and the Newman Community. Lisa Norwood, Assistant Dean of the Hajim School of Engineering, was a SWE faculty leader at the time, and helped me understand the value of a professional network. I also loved the peace and calm at Newman services led by Father Cool and Sister Kathleen. All of these organizations showed me the joy of spending time in service to my community.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

I am both a mom and an improvement engineer working on sustainable water and process solutions for the Dow Chemical Company. I enjoy a good challenge and I’d say that’s what led me to this “dual career”.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

Balance truly is an illusion; however, there are choices I have made that allow me to lead both a rich personal and rewarding professional life. Taking time to evaluate and articulate my core values (faithfulness, family, determination, and trust) has helped me.  As example, my values lead my family to sacrifice a bigger home, nicer car, and limit our vacations to trips to see family once our daughter was born. We choose to live off of one income so my husband can stay home with her. Likewise, if something is outside of my control at work (or home), but does not conflict with my personal values, then I try not to worry it. As I reflect on this now, I’m quite happy with my choices thus far, but I also recall how hard they were in the moment – have kids right away, or finish my PhD? I waited; take the job that is closer to family, or take the job that has a higher earning potential? I chose family. There are other choices I can anticipate on the horizon – pursue an expatriate assignment or stay in the US?  Thinking ahead of time, makes it a lot easier in the moment when the choice becomes a tangible option and also allows my values to guide my choices.

What advice do you have for current students?

Be flexible because life changes fast. Anyone who’s received Dr. Amy Lerner’s (Department of Biomedical Engineering) tips on obtaining an internship knows that is the first thing to do, and the second, and then be flexible some more.  Additionally, to guys and girls alike – check out writings on “’The Imposter Syndrome.” It was an enlightening moment the day I learned of this phenomena as well as an empowering one. I’d also encourage all students to become fluent in the business case for diversity because studies (www.catalyst.org) show this a fiscally rewarding endeavor that cannot be undertaken without support from all.

When and how did you choose your major?

I was thoroughly undecided when I started at UR. My freshman year I took classes in each of the three divisions to figure out what I liked best. My sophomore year I decided to major in both geology and German – the former I wanted to pursue as a career path and the latter because I had always wanted to learn a foreign language and to study abroad.

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

I lived on the Music Interest Floor, sang in Chamber Singers and Madrigal Singers, and formed a renaissance quartet with friends (Matt Hall ’04, Nils Klinkenberg, ’05, Erin (Sigmund) Kurup ’05). I participated in study abroad (I spent one summer in Berlin taking German classes and spent my junior year abroad at the University of Cologne) to become fluent in German. Serendipitously, it turns out there is a wealth of classic literature in my field (geology/paleontology) in German.

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

I spent a summer in South Florida doing research and a year in Germany on a Fulbright Fellowship in part to figure out whether I liked research and whether I wanted to pursue graduate school. Afterwards, I enrolled in the PhD program in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

Balancing work and personal life is still a work-in-progress for me. In academia there is constant pressure to publish and get funding. Job security is scarce and you may need to move (multiple times) before you find a tenure-track job (if you ever do). Having a spouse or a family complicates this even more – will they move with you or will you restrict your job search geographically? Many of my female colleagues struggle to figure out if and when they can have children without sacrificing their careers. For now, I have created some balance by doing my best to leave my work at work and setting aside time for the things I enjoy (singing, hiking, cooking, and gardening).

Where would you like to be in five years?

I am currently employed as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bristol in the UK. I hope this is a stepping stone to a faculty position at some point in the next few years so that I can continue doing research. I also love teaching and hope to find a job which involves teaching geology at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.

What advice do you have for current students?

No matter which major you pick, try to find time to study abroad! You won’t regret it.

When and how did you choose your major?

I chose my major in my sophomore year.  I took an introductory economics course, and really enjoyed the subject matter.   For the next three years, I became engrossed in the use of economics to explain rational human behavior and solve problems in society.

What activities were you involved in as a student and what did you gain from them?

I was on the board of the Community Service Network and the Panhellenic Association.  My participation in these organizations taught me responsibility and how to successfully collaborate with a team.  I ran the Big Brother Big Sister program at the University, which allowed me to continue the commitment to community service that I had developed in high school, and taught me about the benefits and challenges of leadership.

What resources did you use on campus that you recommend current students use?

CLARC for late-night studying, the Reading Room in the library for outlining, and the stacks for hunkering down and studying for exams.

What did you do immediately after graduation? How did you decide to take that path?

I went to Law School.  I minored in English Literature and enjoy writing.  As much as I loved economics, I found that most jobs and graduate programs were too quantitatively based for me.  I spoke with many law students and attorneys who advised me that practicing law could be a career that allowed me to utilize economic principles and write.

What do you do now and why did you choose this career?

I am a litigator.  My love of writing led me to choose to become a litigator after Law School.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

I find it important to schedule in time to see my husband and child. I try to spend time with them in the mornings and after work and on the weekends.  I also schedule in time with friends.  We’ll meet for drinks or dinner one night a week and meet for brunch on the weekends.

How are you still connected with the University?

I am a George Eastman Circle Member, a member of the New York New Leaders Cabinet, a member of my class’s reunion committee, and I interview perspective students as part of Rochester’s recruitment efforts.

What advice do you have for current students?

Find at least one thing you are passionate about but never stop learning about as many new things as you can.