Redefining success: How Derek Nowicki ’90 found fresh purpose through Career Resources

“What these programs did for me,” Derek explained, “was reawaken the mindset I had back in school. That sense that the world is full of possibilities. It wasn’t just about making a career pivot—it was about reimagining what’s possible at any stage of life.”

For many professionals in their 50s, making a career change—or even considering one—can feel daunting. After decades of experience, well-worn routines, and the weight of expectations, pivoting or reimagining one’s path often seems out of reach. But for Derek Nowicki ’90, the decision to connect with the University of Rochester’s alumni career programs wasn’t just a helpful step—it was a catalyst for renewed energy, curiosity, and possibility.

“I wasn’t necessarily unhappy with my work,” Derek recalls. “But I knew I needed something to change. I had this strong sense that there was more I could do, or do differently—but I didn’t know what that looked like.”

A serendipitous start

Derek’s reengagement with the University happened organically. As he helped plan his upcoming class Reunion, a conversation led to an introduction to Michelle Cavalcanti from the University’s alumni career services—and the start of something transformative.

“I didn’t go in with a clear plan,” he says. “I just knew I needed to take a step back and reassess. What had I done? What did I still want to do? Where could I go from here?”

Through personalized coaching, Derek began attending virtual workshops on leveraging transferable skills, refining personal branding, and creating a vision-driven career identity. These sessions didn’t give him a linear path—they gave him something more powerful: a fresh perspective.

Reframing the narrative

Rather than abandoning his 20+ year career in New York real estate, Derek began to reimagine how he could do the work differently. Through conversations within the Rochester network, he didn’t throw everything out—he rediscovered the parts of his career that aligned with his passions and values and let go of the ones that didn’t.

“I shifted how I approached my work. I let go of some old routines, infused more fun, and began exploring other opportunities simultaneously. And interestingly, everything started to flow better.”

Instead of chasing certainty, Derek chose exploration. And what he found was not a single outcome, but a “cornucopia of possibilities.”

The power of community

One of the most energizing aspects of Derek’s journey has been the support of the alumni network. He connected with several alumni, each of whom responded enthusiastically—many scheduling Zoom calls within hours of the introduction.

“The conversations were real. Thoughtful. And none of them were under an hour,” he laughs. “What that showed me is that Rochester alumni genuinely care. They want to give back. They want to help.”

From practical advice about exploring new cities to conversations about career transitions, these connections reaffirmed for Derek just how strong and giving the Rochester community is—even decades after graduation.

Reawakening curiosity and confidence

Derek describes his experience with the career resources as “a rejuvenation of spirit.” He found himself more curious, more engaged, and more open to life than he had been in years. What began as a search for career clarity turned into a broader transformation.

“Change doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” he says. “You can pivot without burning down everything you’ve built. Sometimes, you just need to shift your mindset—and the way you show up in your work.”

He remains active in real estate, but now approaches his work with renewed creativity and possibility. And he’s continuing to explore what else might be on the horizon.

A message to fellow alumni

For other alumni—especially those in mid-career—Derek offers this advice:

“You’re not too old to learn something new. You’re not too far along to change course. You’re not locked into anything unless you decide you are.”

He urges others to start small: reach out to a classmate, attend a webinar, or connect with the career center.

“The University didn’t stop supporting us when we graduated,” he says. “They are still here—and the door is wide open.