Jonathan Bowers: Continuing My Work at the Mayor’s Office
During my second quarter in the Office of San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, I have continued my work helping to serve the city’s unhoused population. I was able to accompany my coworkers to visit encampments in person and help volunteers with a trash pickup along Coyote Creek (see picture). I found it very helpful to see the encampments in person I had been researching for the past few months.The Fellowship has helped me put my business school education in perspective since I am able to see the practical uses of the research and theories I’ve learned in my classes.
As an economics major, it is not difficult to see the effects of economic inequality and the Bay Area’s high cost of living as I study the homeless situation in San Jose. I am using many of the practices taught in the Leavey School of Business at my fellowship including data analysis skills from my econometrics courses and thinking about what retail businesses need to succeed from my core business classes.
Using my Leavey education has helped me assist with economic development efforts such as formulating policy to provide grants so businesses can grow and adapt to social distancing guidelines. Leavey students should remember that the business skills they learn can be applied to all sorts of organizations, not just for-profits. Nearly every organization, including government, needs people trained in business to help them manage their finances internally, and externally serve their constituents, customers, or community. Having an understanding of business operations is critical to supporting community development. I encourage business students to keep an open mind about their career opportunities and look for ways that their knowledge can help serve others.