Jason Remmer, a UO graduate from 1996, took part in the fall 2004 career panel and shared his experiences with current undergraduates on what it was like to join the labor force after graduation. After a very informative and entertaining presentation, Jason was able to pass on further insight on how to make it in the working world.
Jason’s presentation started off with a valuable lesson that he shared to all in the room. He began his presentation by asking anyone if they would like to be a volunteer, and as soon as the first brave student raised her hand, she was rewarded with a giant candy bar. Soon after, more students volunteered and they too were rewarded. He explained that the lesson was to not be afraid to take risks, and that it was these small aspects that are helpful in differentiating ourselves from our peers. Furthermore, Jason expressed that learning to make decisions, having the ambition to work hard, and accepting our own talents are all important and special keys to gain success in a career, and to reach success in job interviews.
In addition to these qualities, Jason also had stressed to start early in building your resume by looking for internships and joining extracurricular activities that can relate to your career goals. One mistake that he had said he made was that he didn’t start soon enough. Although we may all be extremely busy studying for our economics classes, it is important to find things like internships and clubs so that we may distinguish ourselves from others and gain valuable work experience.
Jason now works the Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Co. Inc, in Portland, Oregon as a territory manager. He said he gets to enjoy benefits as traveling to some parts of the U.S. and Canada such as Seattle, Vancouver, and Dallas. The aspect of economics that he said most applies to his career is that it develops a pattern of thinking that allows us to work through problems and find the best solutions possible. The point that he stressed most was to make sure that we differentiate ourselves from others because it will leave a lasting impression on people’s minds and make us stand out from the rest.
After listening and talking to Jason and the other alumni at the career panel, I have come to realize how much studying economics differentiates me from other candidates in the job market and how much a difference a mindset can make in reaching my career goals.
Profile by Mark Allen (2004)