From Babysitting To Busking: These Were The 50 Over 50’s Very First Jobs

The members of the Forbes 50 Over 50 manage billions of dollars of investments, conduct world-class orchestras and consistently break athletic records. But where did they get their start? We asked, and they answered.

By Erin Spencer Sairam, Forbes Staff

The Forbes 50 Over 50 list celebrates great second acts. This year’s class of innovators and changemakers is full of them—from longtime corporate executives turned first-time entrepreneurs to stage actors who became blockbuster stars at 94.

Still, even high-powered first acts get their start somewhere, and we wanted to know exactly where the women of the 50 Over 50 got their start. And so, we asked each of the women on this year’s list to walk down memory lane and recount their very first job. Their answers are proof that you can learn something from every job you hold—no matter how unglamorous it may seem!

Dawn Staley

Head Coach, University of South Carolina Women’s Basketball

“After college, professional basketball in the U.S. wasn’t an option, so I took a job in a retail clothing store … avoiding customers and folding shirts all day. It wasn’t for me so I only lasted three weeks – but it made me look for other basketball options real quick!” Watch the Forbes 50 Over 50 interview with Staley here.

Marin Alsop

Conductor

“Playing on the street corner in Manhattan to earn cash! Best corner: St. Patrick’s Cathedral”

Cindy McCain

Executive Director, World Food Programme

“My first job was as a dance teacher. It was a mixture of younger and older kids, some doing ballet and some doing tap. Skills from teaching are incredibly valuable dealing in diplomacy. And good luck to anyone trying to keep me off a dance floor.”

Merrilee Kick

Founder & CEO, BuzzBallz

“My first job was technically in 2nd grade. I wanted a horse (I lived in Montana) and my mom said I would have to pay for the horse and hay for a year. My job was to work in the elementary school lunchroom kitchen and scrap the glop of the trays so they could be washed in the dishwasher. I did this for two years and got my horse.”

Madeline Pumariega

President, Miami-Dade College

“McDonald’s! I’m proud to be 1 in 8 Americans who got their start there.”