Michael Schwartz, B.A. 2006
Financial Advisor at Northeast Planning Corporation — Cranford, NJ
2006 Major: History, minor in Classical Civilizations
How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape your professional success?
"History has always been a personal passion of mine, yet not a career path. The well-rounded tools that I learned through the history department prepared me well for all aspects of my professional life: -Analysis of past events to learn and improve the future -Ability to think and communicate critically -Writing skills learned in history papers translates to proper email composition -Verbal discussion classes translated well into client meetings -Presentation skills translates well to classes and professional presentations I teach today."
What advice would you give students in History?
"Take any and all classes that excite you! In the end, one of the most powerful parts of the Duke educational experience is the breadth of the liberal arts degree. It is impossible to predict in college where your career may lead you; the skills that the History department provides are applicable to so many careers!"
