Hart Hodges
WWU Economics Professor,

shares his advice on education, careers and the current job outlook.

Interviewer: Jenna Hall
Sophmore, Visual Journalism Major

Question: Should students look at their priorities when considering a career?

Yes. Students should look at their priorities when pursuing a career. They need to understand their own interests to see if the job they are applying to is the right fit for their spiritual happiness. Since the job can be staying in a specific location or traveling, you need to ask yourself questions like, “Are you willing to travel for position promotions?” or “Will I want the responsibilities to stay in one place and home with a family?”

Question: What sacrifices will students have to make in the beginning of their careers?

Students need the willingness to move- to chase their opportunities. One man I knew got his job position because he was willing to take jobs around the world starting up companies. Each time he moved locations, he moved up the business ladder. But this was at the sacrifice of being with his family and having a stable lifestyle. However with each move he made, he gained different management and cultural perspectives on the company. Therefore he became more marketable.

Question: How long does it take before you are really valuable to an employer?

The employer is making an investment in you when he hires you fresh out the gates of college. You need humility and respect to understand it is going to take you time and experience to gain value to the company.

Question: Will your career goals change over your lifetime?

Yes, your career and life goals will shift as you mature and experience things. What you want out of life now will inevitably change with the people you meet (never underestimate the power of influence your spouse will make on your original plans… you both will make new ones together). You have to make strong goals now, but be open to change because you never know where you will end up. I started out as a physical science major and went back to school for economics after doing some research work in Washington D.C.

Question: How powerful is networking?

You never know when you will need someone, or they will need you. Therefore you must build strong, consistently positive relationships with everyone you meet. Don’t burn bridges and remember that the relationships you build with those around you is really a reflection of who you are as a person.

Question: Developing your career takes time and one can get frustrated. Any encouraging words?

Career success takes patience and perseverance. You need to reset your dreams sometimes, but never settle for anything less than you deserve. Don’t be upset if you don’t get your ideal paycheck or dream home right out of college. You have to work for it- build equity.

Question: How important is volunteer service?

Don’t undervalue volunteer opportunities like the Peace Corps. Positions within these organizations provide opportunities to build your skill sets. Look at your first job with minimal pay like an internship or adding a practicum to your degree- you are putting your foot in the door that will lead to other opportunities.

Question: In your talks with recruiters/employers, what are they looking for in students?

What these recruiters are looking for in students are critical thinking skills, fluency and literacy. In other words, if someone gives a student their accounting sheet, he or she can not just relay back the information but also do an analysis of it. Students should know the context and delivery of the information, which also means having the proper vocabulary to effectively communicate. Employers, especially in competitive businesses, also value athletes because athletics shows the students know teamwork, competitiveness and drive.

Question: What are some classes students aren’t taking that may be of value?

In my experience students shouldn’t shy away from the natural sciences and math. Foreign languages are very important too.

Question: What attitude should a person have in an interview and on the job?

There is a fine balance of confidence and humility. You need to be confident in looking at your career and future employers. Give them a firm handshake and maintain eye contact, but don’t be arrogant or too picky with employment standards. Remember the employer is making an investment in you when you first start out. The likelihood is you aren’t as valuable to them as their other employees yet… make them see POTENTIAL in you.

Question: What should students do more of to prepare themselves for career success?

Students should read more. You should never stop reading, as life is all an education. When choosing books, it is also important to read different perspectives. You should also take advantage of auditing classes. Auditing classes is when you sit in a class (with permission from the teacher) not because you want a grade, but because you want to learn the information. Students should take advantage of auditing while it is still free (especially for classes outside your major).

Question: What is your opinion of grad school?

Try to get professional experience before going off to grad school. Even in this down economy, it is often better to take a job that is entry level than stay in school to wait out the job crunch. Taking a job shows employers you are gaining experience and are willing to make a commitment to the company- even if it means photocopying. It is also important to note that many businesses internally hire and your next big job offer could start from these smaller job responsibilities.

Question: For the next generations of graduates, what is the current employment forecast?

In terms of the unemployment outlook, it is not over yet. With the last real recession in 1982, unemployment was at 12%. It took until 2001 (9 years) to get the economy back to where it was before the recession. Today, it is important to improve the psychological outlook of the masses so they can build faith/trust in the workforce again.

Question: What are some “recession-proof” jobs?

Engineer positions or jobs that require IT skills and analytical skills are stable in this economy. Although these positions are expensive to keep, no one wants to lay off a skilled engineer because he or she may be afraid the employee won’t come back because they found a job elsewhere. These are high skill, high demand jobs. I also see an increasing demand in energy conservation, environmental studies and environmental policy/law. I encourage students to take more science, as it is the vocabulary of the future!

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