Getting some inspiration from CEOs

NH businessmen and women talk about the choices and influences that got them to where they are today.

Q: What was your major? How did you choose that major? How does your major relate to your job today?

I majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management. At DU, the hotel and restaurant school was one of the best of its kind at the time, and within the business college. At that point, I didn’t care much for accounting or finance, but I knew then that I wanted to own a restaurant someday and that I would have to learn to love the accounting and numbers stuff if I was ever to be successful from a financial point of view.  I am living proof that one can go to college, study something they like, get a job in that industry-of-choice and someday own their own business. It didn’t happen overnight, but it can be done. After college, I spent the first 11 years working for two industry leaders, Marriott Hotels and United Airlines. I learned a lot from these companies. (Chuck Rolecek, President, CR Sparks & The Hanover Street Chophouse)

I was an English major. I chose English because I knew early on that I wanted to do something in journalism and be a writer. I also love literature -- reading and talking about it. I also took a number of writing classes and workshops. Taking these classes obviously improved my reading and writing skills, but they may have been more important in teaching me how to think critically, how to look more closely and deeply at whatever is at hand. That's the most important quality a journalist can have. (Jeff Feingold, Editor, NH Business Review)

I would encourage college students to spend some time exploring before committing to a major.  Try lots of different courses; be creative.  Too many of us made decisions about our majors based on what was familiar.  Use your time in college to push your limits! (Deb Scire, Executive Director, Campus Compact for NH)

This is part of the NHHEAF Network Organizations’ statewide public awareness campaign, College Equals Opportunity (CEO). The CEO program highlights executive officers of New Hampshire companies as they relay stories about their college experience, some of the challenges they faced along the way and the opportunities that college presented for them. The program also offers scholarships to deserving juniors and seniors in college who have demonstrated leadership abilities. For more information, go to www.nhceo.biz.