Jake Fitzharris is completing the second year of his master’s degree in the MSU Department of Forestry. Before MSU, he received his BS in Political Science and Psychology from Oregon State University and has worked in politics and forestry. He is from Seattle, Washington.
The opportunities provided by Michigan State University have helped me discover a meaningful career path, despite my many interests. I began my undergraduate studies at Oregon State University, where I majored in political science and psychology. One course in particular, The Politics of Climate Change, sparked my curiosity. Little did I know that initial spark would guide me back to this field years later.
As an undergraduate, I was fortunate to explore a wide variety of courses and consider different academic paths. At the same time, I often felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of disciplines that interested me. My indecision led me down several different career routes after graduation. Although each position provided valuable skills, none felt like the right fit.
After holding a variety of jobs, I eventually pivoted to working as a forestry field technician in Oregon. That experience led me to Michigan State, where Dr. David MacFarlane generously offered me the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science in forestry. My background was unconventional, but he gave me a chance to contribute to a project focused on wood origin, species verification methods and tools that help combat illegal logging.
While it was the policy implications of this work that first drew me in, I’ve since gained an appreciation for statistical and spatial modeling, as well as a broader understanding of natural resources. Fieldwork has taken me across Michigan, and through that exploration, I’ve become deeply familiar with the state’s forest ecosystems.
Michigan State offers graduate students many pathways to customize their academic experiences. Through the forestry department’s flexible course model and specialized certificate programs, I’ve been able to deepen my knowledge in climate-related fields. I’m currently completing the Forest Carbon, Management and Policy graduate certificate, and have found every course, Human Dimensions of Forest Carbon Management (FOR 833) and Forest Carbon Policy, Economics, and Finance (FOR 835), to be both engaging and impactful. I’m also enrolled in Dr. David Skole’s class, Measurement and Modeling of Forest Carbon, where I’m building technical skills that I hope to carry into my future career.
In addition, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a teaching assistant twice, which has affirmed my growing interest in teaching and mentoring others.
This program has helped me narrow my focus while also teaching important life lessons about taking risks, seizing opportunities and embracing uncertainty. Paulo Coelho, my favorite author, once wrote: “Sometimes, we are so attached to our way of life that we turn down wonderful opportunities simply because we don’t know what to do with it.”
So, this is a message of gratitude to MSU and a note to current undergraduate students: If you find yourself in a place of indecision, whether about your major, your future career or where you want to live, that’s okay. My best advice is to follow the opportunities that come your way. You may be pleasantly surprised by where they lead.