skip to main content
Joshua Mitch

Joshua Mitch

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

Career Roadmap

Joshua's work combines: Education, Technology, and Upholding a Cause and Belief

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

Librarian I

I provide reference and advisory services to library patrons in the Buffalo city branch libraries.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    SUNY at Fredonia

  • Graduate Degree

    Library and Information Science

    SUNY at Fredonia

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Librarians & Media Collections Specialists:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Anything you enjoy

Graduate Degree: Library and Information Science

Certification: Public Administration

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    Went to art school but decided it wasn't a practical career choice.

  • 2.

    Was Undeclared but was drawn to writing and philosophy.

  • 3.

    Majored in English, minor in Philosphy, received a small scholarship for my poetry.

  • 4.

    Graduated and lived with 7 close friends, not sure how to find a job in my field.

  • 5.

    Worked residential construction for three years, wrote and recorded an album.

  • 6.

    Moved to a new city for graduate school to get my MLS degree, started entry level job at a library.

  • 7.

    Graduated, worked two jobs in the library, and then got certified as a paralegal (weekend classes).

  • 8.

    Got promoted to current position, which requires my masters degree.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

    You should look into a more practical career, something related to finance or business.

  • How I responded:

    I decided a long time ago that I would spend the enormous time commitment that careers require, in doing something I believed to be meaningful both to myself and the people I encountered. Public service is my commitment. If the work product you create doesn't go towards something you think is important in the world, you shouldn't be doing it. Hang in there! Being happy is better than a heavy bank account.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

Click to expand

  • Economic hardship deferment for Federal loans will be your best friend.

  • Hot yoga and my wonderful soon-to-be bride are responsible for my transition from introverted sad-sack to the enthusiast and happy person that I am today. It goes back to my point about surrounding yourself with outgoing and positive people.