Today, on February 21, 2011, we honor our U.S. presidents. It might be fun to look at some of the jobs held by past presidents before they were elected as President of the United States of America. It is a reminder that career dreams can go anywhere!
- Architect. When creating and designing buildings, architects consider aesthetics, functionality and safety. Ex-Architect: Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. president, 1801-1809.
- Engineer. Engineers include mechanical, electrical, civil, software and environmental. Today’s economy sees growth for many of these. Ex-Engineer: Herbert Hoover, 31st U.S. President, 1929-1933
- Soldier. U.S. freedom was won with sacrifice from soldiers who, from the Revolutionary War to our current struggles in the Middle East, put their lives on the line for country. Ex-Soldier presidents: Dwight David Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe; and the 34th U.S. president, 1953-1961; Benjamin Harris, 23rd U.S. president, 1889-1893
- Lawyer. Lawyers represent parties in court and provide legal counseling and advisory roles. 23 U.S. presidents were lawyers, including
– John Quincy Adams, 6th U.S. president, 1825-1829
– Abraham Lincoln, 16th U.S. president, 1861-1865
– Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. president, 1933-1945
– Bill Clinton, 42nd U.S. president, 1993-2001
- Newspaper Editor. In the media, journalism and newspaper industry, the job of an editor is to oversee the production of publications and overall operations. Notable Ex-Editor: Warren Harding, 29th U.S. president, 1921-1923
- Sheriff. Many individuals begin their career as a police officer and work up the ranks to become elected as sheriff, the highest position in law enforcement. Notable Ex-Sherriff: Grover Cleveland, 22nd and 24th U.S. president, 1885-1889 and 1893-1897
- Surveyor. Surveyors measure and map the terrain of the Earth’s surface and create boundaries. Notable Surveyor: George Washington, 1st U.S. president, 1789-1797.
- Teacher. From elementary school to postsecondary education, teachers and professors play a huge role in shaping the future of our country. Six U.S. presidents had earlier careers in education, including
– Woodrow Wilson, 28th U.S. president, 1913-1921
– Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th U.S. president, 1963-1969
And career life after presidency is an interesting study, as well. Clinton was only 54 when he left office. Like Lyndon B. Johnson, he developed his presidential library and prepared his memories. Like Nixon, he worked to repair his public image—his brand— and created a role for himself as an elder statesman. He also followed Jimmy Carter’s example, and parlayed his interest in foreign affairs into work as an independent ambassador.
Many former presidents remained part of public life, usually as public speakers or writers. A few even returned to Washington. After his presidency, John Quincy Adams served nine terms in Congress. Andrew Johnson returned to the job as a senator. Herbert Hoover served on the federal commission on federal reform that bore his name.
William Taft made history when he was appointed to the Supreme Court, where he served from 1921 until his death in 1930. So rewarding was this turn of events, that he later said, “I don’t remember that I was ever President.”
With a dream backed by strategies and tactics to get there, your career opportunities are truly amazing! Despite our current economic challenges, we live in a country where all things are possible!
