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“What these programs did for me,���Ĵ�ý� Derek explained, ���Ĵ�ý�was reawaken the mindset I had back in school. That sense that the world is full of possibilities. It wasn���Ĵ�ý�t just about making a career pivot���Ĵ�ý�it was about reimagining what���Ĵ�ý�s possible at any stage of life.”

For many professionals in their 50s, making a career change���Ĵ�ý�or even considering one���Ĵ�ý�can feel daunting. After decades of experience, well-worn routines, and the weight of expectations, pivoting or reimagining one���Ĵ�ý�s path often seems out of reach. But for Derek Nowicki ���Ĵ�ý�90, the decision to connect with the University of Rochester���Ĵ�ý�s alumni career programs wasn���Ĵ�ý�t just a helpful step���Ĵ�ý�it was a catalyst for renewed energy, curiosity, and possibility.

���Ĵ�ý�I wasn���Ĵ�ý�t necessarily unhappy with my work,���Ĵ�ý� Derek recalls. ���Ĵ�ý�But I knew I needed something to change. I had this strong sense that there was more I could do, or do differently���Ĵ�ý�but I didn���Ĵ�ý�t know what that looked like.���Ĵ�ý�

A serendipitous start

Derek���Ĵ�ý�s reengagement with the University happened organically. As he helped plan his upcoming class Reunion, a conversation led to an introduction to Michelle Cavalcanti from the University���Ĵ�ý�s alumni career services���Ĵ�ý�and the start of something transformative.

���Ĵ�ý�I didn���Ĵ�ý�t go in with a clear plan,���Ĵ�ý� he says. ���Ĵ�ý�I just knew I needed to take a step back and reassess. What had I done? What did I still want to do? Where could I go from here?���Ĵ�ý�

Through personalized coaching, Derek began attending virtual workshops on leveraging transferable skills, refining personal branding, and creating a vision-driven career identity. These sessions didn���Ĵ�ý�t give him a linear path���Ĵ�ý�they gave him something more powerful: a fresh perspective.

Reframing the narrative

Rather than abandoning his 20+ year career in New York real estate, Derek began to reimagine how he could do the work differently. Through conversations within the Rochester network, he didn���Ĵ�ý�t throw everything out���Ĵ�ý�he rediscovered the parts of his career that aligned with his passions and values and let go of the ones that didn���Ĵ�ý�t.

���Ĵ�ý�I shifted how I approached my work. I let go of some old routines, infused more fun, and began exploring other opportunities simultaneously. And interestingly, everything started to flow better.���Ĵ�ý�

Instead of chasing certainty, Derek chose exploration. And what he found was not a single outcome, but a ���Ĵ�ý�cornucopia of possibilities.���Ĵ�ý�

The power of community

One of the most energizing aspects of Derek���Ĵ�ý�s journey has been the support of the alumni network. He connected with several alumni, each of whom responded enthusiastically���Ĵ�ý�many scheduling Zoom calls within hours of the introduction.

���Ĵ�ý�The conversations were real. Thoughtful. And none of them were under an hour,���Ĵ�ý� he laughs. ���Ĵ�ý�What that showed me is that Rochester alumni genuinely care. They want to give back. They want to help.���Ĵ�ý�

From practical advice about exploring new cities to conversations about career transitions, these connections reaffirmed for Derek just how strong and giving the Rochester community is���Ĵ�ý�even decades after graduation.

Reawakening curiosity and confidence

Derek describes his experience with the career resources as ���Ĵ�ý�a rejuvenation of spirit.���Ĵ�ý� He found himself more curious, more engaged, and more open to life than he had been in years. What began as a search for career clarity turned into a broader transformation.

���Ĵ�ý�Change doesn���Ĵ�ý�t have to be all or nothing,���Ĵ�ý� he says. ���Ĵ�ý�You can pivot without burning down everything you���Ĵ�ý�ve built. Sometimes, you just need to shift your mindset���Ĵ�ý�and the way you show up in your work.���Ĵ�ý�

He remains active in real estate, but now approaches his work with renewed creativity and possibility. And he’s continuing to explore what else might be on the horizon.

A message to fellow alumni

For other alumni���Ĵ�ý�especially those in mid-career���Ĵ�ý�Derek offers this advice:

���Ĵ�ý�You���Ĵ�ý�re not too old to learn something new. You���Ĵ�ý�re not too far along to change course. You���Ĵ�ý�re not locked into anything unless you decide you are.���Ĵ�ý�

He urges others to start small: reach out to a classmate, attend a webinar, or connect with the career center.

���Ĵ�ý�The University didn���Ĵ�ý�t stop supporting us when we graduated,���Ĵ�ý� he says. ���Ĵ�ý�They are still here���Ĵ�ý�and the door is wide open.