John Thoma

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I wanted to leave New England and live in a new part of the country while getting a great education. After researching and visiting the school, I knew L&C could offer me both.

What have you been doing since graduation?

Got a job working in the finance/accounting department at a manufacturing company in Southeast Portland out of school and have been working there ever since.

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for your job?

L&C classes taught me critical-thinking skills, while also learning how to ask the right question in different situations. The small classes allowed me to gain various soft skills like communication and time management.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

I learned that everyone’s life path is different, and you shouldn’t compare yourself to others and where they are in their life, both the successes or failures. If you focus on your own path, you will end up in a good spot.

Why did you major in economics?

My interest in economics began when I took an economics class in high school, and really enjoyed how the material we were learning applied to current events. After I took Intro to Econ at L&C, I knew it was what I wanted to study.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I make sure to be connected with alumni on LinkedIn, attend local networking events, and stay in touch with my classmates I was close with.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

Little taste of everything!

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

My favorite class with Intermediate Macroeconomics with Professor Dombeck. The class gave me insight into how government policy and intervention impacts the economy and the everyday lives of people.

Where did you find your community on campus?

Initially, I met my community through football. As the school year went on, I found myself meeting people through classes, work-study, and other extracurriculars.

Economics