Jared Giles

Jared’s journey began in college, where he worked with non-profit arts organizations to build and unite college campuses through their dance communities. Transitioning to the startup world, he played a pivotal role in creating a workforce development program to train residents of Eastern Kentucky for careers in software development. As the Director of Workforce Development at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, he built strategic partnerships across sectors to create pathways to employment for students across New York City. At the Partnership for New York City, he mobilized the private sector, driving city-wide initiatives to address homelessness and advance education and workforce development programs, all while remaining steadfast in his mission to prepare individuals for success in their careers and lives.

Now in his consulting practice, Jared is committed to the transformative power of education and serves as an intermediary between business and education. He leads with one question: “Is it good for kids?” and focuses on preparing students with the confidence, agency, and skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives and careers.

What are some of the challenges and/or rewards of this program?

The program is rigorous. Because it's an accelerated master's program, you have to complete double the number of classes in a semester as a regular graduate student. That workload can be overbearing, but I loved every minute of my experience. It was a 1-year crash course in anything that I found interesting - critical theory, performing arts management, legal theory, international development - and it gave my the confidence to pursue the career that aligns with those interests. The program taught me how to take a chance on myself and how rewarding life can be when I do and succeed.

What drew you to the MA in Arts Politics?

Before graduating from undergrad, I visited New York and looked into the Arts Politics program because it looked like a program that allowed students to craft their own experiences. Rather than being stuck in a curriculum that didn't exactly fit how I wanted to learn, I could join APP and dedicate myself to understanding my own values, politics, and ethics alongside a creative cohort and the most caring faculty I've ever had the pleasure of learning from.