Jett Johnson ’10 shares experiences and invaluable lessons he gained while studying for his Masters in Education at the UO.

By Chloe Meyere, Duck Career Network Communications Associate and UO Student

“I moved to Eugene specifically for the University of Oregon. The graduate program in education at the UO is one of the best in the country. When I was applying to schools, I wanted a richer, deeper experience. I wanted to go somewhere that was both fun, but still on the cutting edge of research. The UO offered that, and a really nice community experience—while providing such a great program.”

Upon graduating nearly five years ago, Jett has spent his time working in the nonprofit sector, passing on the values he learned while at the UO.
 
“One of the things I gained from the masters program is a profound respect and appreciation for social justice and the belief that equality is a shared value. Education isn't just about subject matter, it's about developing character and the understanding of our shared values as global citizens.”

After developing a solid professional foundation, Jett was ready to make his way into the great big professional world. Since his graduation, he has worked for some of the Northwest's leading organizations working for LGBTQ equality, including Basic Rights Oregon and Pride Foundation. In his work, Jett carries with him the life-lessons learned during his matriculation at UO. As well as the experience he has gained while working to advance the lives of the LGBTQ community. As he moves forward in his career, Jett is excited to be able to continue giving back to the causes he cares about. 

“At the end of the day, it's about passion. For new grads, it's important to ask yourself, what issues do I care about, what difference can I make? Whatever career path you take, it has to be for the outcome, for the belief that tomorrow can and will be better.”


 

Reflection and Advice for current students and alumni alike:

Relationships must run parallel to the work

• I love to check off boxes on my ‘to-do’ lists, however that’s not how the world works; we don’t operate in silos. During my time as a community organizer, I learned that people have to feel a sense of ownership and a stake in the work. Collaboration, creates an environment where everyone can bring their best thinking and whole selves to the task at hand. We’ve seen what can happen when people feel they don’t have a voice in their work: look at the teachers strike in Wisconsin or the protests put on by employees of Wal-Mart. This is true for the non-profit sector as well as the public and private. Teamwork makes the dream work!
   

You have a voice, and it’s OK to use it

• The first time I ever worked on a strategic plan for a nonprofit, I remember feeling so nervous and insecure around my skill set. To ease my worries, I went and devoured as many books as I could on non-profit management, fundraising, and board development. I realized they weren’t telling me anything I didn’t already know. Even if you think you might not know the ‘right’ answer, you have your answer, and your truth is just as valid as anyone else’s.
   

Don’t be afraid to leave a job when the time is right

• Life is too short not to go for your dreams and do what makes you happy. I recently left the non-profit sector, working for two of the best LGBTQ equality organizations in the Northwest, and perhaps the entire country. Having put in four years of devoted passion, I realized that the work was no longer fun, and that I had done all I could do in those positions. I was ready for a change, so I left and started waiting tables, which has afforded me the free time to write the next chapter of my professional life.
   

You’re not alone

• What’s great about UO is that it has an abundance of resources to help you find your passion! With unemployment on a slow decline and an increasing graduation rate, the market is flooded with people looking for a job. Just know this isn’t a journey you have to take alone. I was fortunate to have great mentors, like Carla Gary and Art Pearl, who helped to ease my anxieties around graduation and my career path. These are relationships I will carry with me for a lifetime. Don’t be afraid to ask someone you admire out for coffee, and pick their brain; the reason they’re at the University is because they want to see you succeed as a student and as an alum. UO is only as good as its alumni, but it’s up to you to take the first step.
   

Relax

• You will become an adult. You will figure out your career. You have a whole lifetime; time takes time. The only way to fail at life is to abstain.
   

Stay humble, yet hustle

• Don’t be afraid to fail, to learn new things, and to not know all the answers, but always keep your goals and dreams at the forefront of your decisions. Life’s meant for living, so get out there and see what it has to offer.
   

(Photo credit: Stevi Sayler Photography)