Having entered college at the age of 28, already a husband and father, Robert's experience here, as an undergraduate economics student, was somewhat unique. While all students stress out over the three midterms on the same day (all worth fifty percent of our grade) Robert had to worry about, not only his grades, but also the well being of his family. He found that a very tough balance to manage. However, he also found that his economics studies actually helped him to successfully manage his life at home by providing him with skills such as the efficient allocation of scarce resources. For Robert, these scarcities were his time and energy.
When asked about his greatest challenge after graduation, he replied that it was getting a job that fit within his degree while also trying to stay in Oregon. "I am from this state and really wanted to stay within it." Robert has some very good tips when it comes to entering the job market: When it comes to achieving success in finding a job after graduation, "Never stop filling out applications. At times the job search seemed futile, but you have to keep on trying." When asked what he thought was a reason for his success in his current positions, he stated firmly, "Doing whatever is needed, whenever it's needed."
Robert truly love his career and finds his education at the UO to have been an invaluable factor to his success. As for the future, Robert is hoping to be recommended for a management position and also thinking about coming back to school to get a MBA degree.
Profile by Hope Siler (2002)