Kiante Miles \u201920 started performing poetry in high school. At Macalester, he took it to the next level: performing works at campus events, writing a book, and, with support from the Live It Fund, built a poetry program for high school students in Minnesota and his home state of Oklahoma. He did it all while playing football for the Scots and working towards a computer science degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After graduating in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Miles landed his first job as a data engineer. At the time, financial security seemed paramount, and pursuing poetry\u00a0professionally took a back seat. For several years, he would focus his energy on building data pipelines and writing code. But in 2024, a connection from his time at Macalester called him up out of the blue and asked: \u201cAre you still doing poetry?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That phone call reignited a passion. Today, Miles continues his work as a data engineer at Hagerty. But when he clocks out of his nine-to-five, his work as a poet is just beginning. Companies now hire Miles to perform custom motivational pieces for corporate conferences and events. The dual career track has taught him crucial lessons about following what truly matters. \u201cAnytime you feel your heart and soul tugging and pulling in a direction, you probably should follow it. You\u2019re more than likely going to regret not following it sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, he shares what he\u2019s learned about balancing interests and why your liberal arts degree is worth more than you might think. Plus, a poem in his own words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A liberal arts degree is so much more than skills in one facet of life. It\u2019s about communicating with people from different backgrounds and languages, fostering collaboration, and developing critical thinking. All those different aspects of a liberal arts education show up in any workforce. I wish I\u2019d understood that better when I first graduated\u2014I would have felt more satisfied with where I was at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re considering a career pivot, ask yourself two questions: What happens if you do, and what happens if you don\u2019t? A lot of times we play these games of \u201cWhat if I quit and it fails?\u201d We overcomplicate things and make life the obstacle. Go in with a plan that considers failure, yes, but still pursue the thing, because that\u2019s what\u2019s going to fulfill your heart and soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The biggest thing I\u2019ve learned on the job is that the type of person you are is going to have way more effect on what jobs you\u2019re able to get than certifications and qualifications. Your real qualification is how you take up space in a room. If you take up positive space in a room, companies are going to want you. Go ahead and take a career risk, because more often than not, companies can teach technical skills, but they can\u2019t teach that energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the biggest resources I\u2019ve used is MacConnect. Anytime I need anything\u2014a financial advisor, connections in my field, information about a company\u2014I look for Mac alumni. And what I\u2019ve found is Mac alums who are always willing to connect over coffee. Macalester alumni truly want to help people in the Macalester family. Don\u2019t be afraid to reach out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The mentors I\u2019ve valued most are people who are okay with saying \u201cI don\u2019t know, but let\u2019s go find the answer.\u201d It shows you\u2019re willing to not just make something up, but that you are confident in your own abilities. It\u2019s a subtle way to show real confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Kiante Miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a difference between<\/p>\n\n\n\n
independence and standing alone<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between being in the crowd and<\/p>\n\n\n\n
playing your part in it<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of where you\u2019re standing in line,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There will always be a pull, a tug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It might not always be from the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You might be going back\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To your dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To your gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may need to go back<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to clear the path ahead.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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