Corin Perdomo (current student, History)
How can a history degree serve as a foundation for diverse career paths? What specific skills does it instill that are applicable across various industries? In an era where the practicality of humanities degrees is often questioned, the stories of successful professionals with history backgrounds stand as testaments to the versatility and utility of this field of study. In November, I, a current history student, attended an event organized by the CCNY History Society Club and History professor John Blanton where two History alumni who have carved out unique professional trajectories post-graduation addressed these very questions.
Timothy Fischer (History ’10), now Vice President of Customer Success at Smartly.io, attributes his ability to drive client excellence to the problem-solving and communication skills he developed during his history studies. Similarly, Jenni K. Rein (History ’20) has found success as Manager of the Academy for American Democracy at the New-York Historical Society, applying her historical insights to create engaging educational programs. These alumni demonstrated to us that a history degree doesn’t limit career options—it opens unexpected doors, from tech advertising to cultural education. Their journey’s showcased the enduring value of humanities in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
Reflecting on their careers both Fischer and Rein stressed the importance of networking and adaptability. They shared how these strategies led to unexpected employment opportunities and helped them build supportive networks crucial during their job searches. "Networking isn’t just about finding a job,” Rein explained. “It’s about building a community that can support you through your career.” As students asked questions and expressed their concerns about future employment, Fischer and Rein provided insightful responses that emphasized the practical aspects of humanities education. They emphasized the importance of internships, with Rein underscoring the value of targeting specific roles within cultural institutions to gain meaningful experience. Internships offer more than resume building; they help you discover your place in the professional world.
Liberty Gonzalez, a fellow history student, found the event very encouraging. She shared with me: "Receiving mentorship from alumni in the history department is invaluable. Hearing their stories and advice helps me see the different paths I can take after graduation." This gathering not only highlighted the practical benefits of a history degree but also reinforced the supportive network available to students within the CCNY community. "It was a great event," Professor Blanton remarked. "I'm always excited to see our alumni excel and apply the skills they learned at City College. It's particularly exciting to watch current students interact with and learn from them."