By Steve Seepersaud
October 15, 2018
Scott Horowitz '06 responded with a resounding "I guess" when asked if he’d consider representing Cleveland Hall on the Student Association (SA) board during his sophomore year.
"They didn't have anyone to run, and one of my friends practically begged me to do it," said Horowitz. "It was actually a good experience. I was exposed to people from different halls, with different points of view. When it was time to dole out money, it got to be very contentious. The lightbulb went on for me because it was a microcosm of how government works."
Serving on the SA board helped steer Horowitz toward a career in government. Today, he's a special assistant at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Horowitz discussed his career and advised students via Skype as the featured speaker for the Cool Connections, Hot Alumni program on Oct. 22. Through this series, Binghamton University alumni, regardless of where they are, can talk to students and answer questions about their educational experience and how they transitioned to their careers.
At DHS, Horowitz focuses on internal communications for several offices including those of the chief financial officer and chief information officer. He drafts and reviews messages sent to the DHS workforce, helps maintain an internal website and supports special events.
His interest in public service − in particular in homeland security − started before he attended Binghamton University. And for a short time, it looked like his path wouldn't take him to Binghamton at all.
He was a high school senior when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Horowitz strongly considered enlisting in the Navy following his high-school graduation, but ultimately opted for college.
"I'm not out there risking my life every day − like the Secret Service − but I am helping to ensure those people on the front lines have the resources and the systems they need to do their jobs well."
During his virtual campus visit, Horowitz encouraged students to seek out as many experiences as possible to build both their skill set and professional network. As a student, he interned with a small nonprofit organization and conducted research on Medicare and Medicaid. He also interned for Rep. Nita Lowey (D-White Plains), an opportunity that later blossomed into paid staff-assistant jobs for Lowey, then for former Rep. John Hall (D-Saugerties).
While Horowitz had amazing professors and classes at Binghamton, he says nothing prepares you for the real world like being in the real world.
"Until you're out there working every day, and you're answering phones for a Congressman and getting yelled at [by a constituent], you can only learn so much. Be prepared to do anything and everything. Every day is an interview and when you do your job well, amazing things can happen for you."
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