Alumni Dale Blem is an example of how Pacific’s education program along with campus opportunities allow students to find fulfilling careers after graduation.
Blem graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s in mathematics. He was a substitute teacher for a year then decided to continue his education at Pacific, earning his master’s in teaching.
Beginning the 2011 school year, Blem started working at the R.A. Brown Middle School in Hillsboro teaching eighth grade math. Blem knew that wasn’t only the education aspect of his experience at Pacific that helped him earn a job; it was also his extracurricular activities and connections.
Blem was involved in Walter Hall council his freshman year. For two years, he was a residence assistant in MacCormick and Clark, respectively. As a senior, Blem was the Leadership Development Coordinator for the Residence Hall Association on campus.
These were great leadership opportunities, said Blem, yet he believes that networking was the key to landing his job.
“The biggest thing that helped me to get my job was my connections made through my student teaching. I got to know many teachers and administrators in the Hillsboro district and created good relationships with them. If I had one piece of advice for upcoming graduates looking for jobs, it would be to make as many connections in your field as you can,” said Blem.
He also noted how jobs were scarce when he first graduated in 2007. Being open to substitute teaching instead of having a solid career right off the bat taught Blem the patience he needed to earn his current career.
“The important thing is to keep in mind that your dream job is still out there and even if your path requires some other interim steps after graduating before you can reach it, well, that’s just part of your journey,” said Blem.
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