Jason Joiner has long been fascinated by the weather. Originally interested in becoming a meteorologist throughout college, he had taken courses in differential equations and calculus as well as an internship that involved him in the installation of radar and severe weather detection software used for UT’s emergency siren system. But over time Jason realized that his passion was more a hobby than the career path he wanted to pursue. Which left the English major with a problem; he was close to graduating and had no idea how he was going to make something out of the degree he had.

Desperate to find something that was a good fit for his skills, Jason began looking at jobs posted on Liberal Arts@Work, Liberal Arts Career Services’ online tool. He was intrigued by a position at the Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), a company that finds top-level subject-matter experts to consult and collaborate with their clients in the financial investment community. As Jason explains it, the job “is a bit like being an investigator for hedge fund analysts. As a council recruiter I go out into the field to find experts who could consult with GLG’s clients based on their specialized knowledge.”

So how did Jason convince the interviewers that he had the right skills for that job?

“I strongly emphasized my communication skills and the versatile education that I’d received at UT, which has resulted in my ability to understand different perspectives on issues and fearlessly engage with others. English majors are required to be vocal in their courses…you have to be able to voice an opinion in the classroom without ticking off the other students because you’re unclear and long-winded,” explains Jason. “My job involves dealing with people at every level, from potato farmers in Idaho to senior executives in major corporations around the world. My Liberal Arts education prepared me for explaining clearly what it is I’m doing, why I’m speaking to them, and what they have to gain. One professor, early on, wrote ‘get to the point’ on one of my papers. I now see how being able to communicate quickly and succinctly is invaluable in the workplace.”

Jason’s career tips:

Do your homework!

• Many of the questions I was asked were tailored towards my understanding of their company and the requirements of the job I was applying for
• Make an appointment with a Liberal Arts Career Services advisor who will conduct a mock interview with you. You may think you know your stuff, but there’s no substitute for saying it out loud to someone who can give you constructive criticism and advice.
• Use your classes to hone an ability to think on your feet. For example, one of my interview questions was: “Imagine that I’m at the counter of American Airlines, about to purchase a ticket. You have one minute to give me three reasons why I should purchase a middle seat versus an aisle or window seat. Go.”

Ask great questions. I got a much more positive response from the interviewers when I asked about the long term goals and vision of the company than details about the position itself. Preparing lots of questions also gives you a way to re-direct the conversation if your mind starts to fail.