What is your job/position?
Teacher. I work for a public homeschool charter in California. I help homeschooled students in grades TK-12 and their families meet educational goals through personalized and differentiated instruction. I also teach a weekly beginning Spanish elective class for early elementary students as part of my job.
Describe the path that took you from your American Studies degree to your current career or life situation.
After graduation, I moved to New York City with my husband and no career prospects. I had no idea what I wanted to do professionally but I needed a job quickly to help support my newly formed family. I took my resume around the city (really anywhere and everywhere) and had a couple of interviews but never made it too far in the process. Thankfully, I had a family friend who was a long-time employee of a large bank. She was able to help me get an interview in Commercial Real Estate at that bank. My first major realization professionally was that identifying and utilizing my network was the best way to get my foot in the door somewhere. My family friend didn’t get me the job—I did that! But she did help me get the opportunity to really sell myself in the interview.
My job in New York was in client service, and when we decided to move to California I was able to get a job in compliance at the same bank. For four years I worked as a KYC officer in commercial term lending. I loved working at a large, well-known company. I had great benefits, which paid off when I had a baby and took my maternity leave. But overall, the first two jobs of my career were a means to an end. I always knew that commercial real estate was not a lifelong career for me. This was another major realization: my job didn’t (and still doesn’t) define me. It’s ok to take a job simply to support your family. My husband started a new career during this time so I was grateful to have something stable that we could both rely on.
Eventually, I knew that I wanted to do something else, and I set my sights on education. I found a program through NYU that allowed me to earn part-time income while getting my teaching credential and my master’s degree. I had a two-year old at the time and was uncertain how everything would work out logistically, but it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made some amazing connections and learned so much about myself and my new field. I graduated from my program in the spring of 2020; needless to say, there were bumps in the road. I substitute taught during the pandemic (good times) virtually, in-person, and sometimes even both simultaneously! I had my second child in 2021 and took a year off of work, which was a huge privilege. But I definitely realized that I enjoyed my work as a teacher and didn’t want to be a stay-at-home parent full time.
In my current role, I get to work mostly from home with some in-person meetings with my team and also with my students and their parents. It’s taken me almost ten years to get to a place where I’m really enjoying all aspects of my career. My journey definitely was not linear, but I think that every role I took along the way taught me valuable lessons and gave me skills that led me to where I am now. As I look back, there were times that were really difficult and even demoralizing, but I’m glad that I kept going and changed paths when I needed to. Quitting my full-time job as a primary breadwinner of my family to go back to school was a huge leap of faith, but I am really grateful that I went after it anyway!
What do you wish you had known as an American Studies student? What advice would you share with current students?
Take the job—even if it’s not your dream. It may lead to other meaningful connections and valuable opportunities.
Know your values and your priorities—this will help you find the roles that will suit your lifestyle and help you maintain a proper balance.
Hang on to those niche interests—I think all American Studies majors have them . . . ha! They will come in handy in surprising ways or just continue to bring you joy through the mundane tasks of life.
*You can contact Caitlin with questions about her American Studies story at cmacmitchell@gmail.com.