Former Madison Mayor and UW-Madison alumnus Paul Soglin addressed UW-Madison students about turning passions into careers Tuesday at an event hosted by the Career Development Association.

Soglin is revered for participating in the Civil Rights Movement and for being an influential anti-war activist following the violent campus riots in 1967, where hundreds of students protested against Dow Chemical for its involvement in the Vietnam War at a recruiting event at UW-Madison.

He used his job experiences as anecdotes in advising students on how to choose a career.

Soglin said companies consider major components when hiring people for various positions.

He added that applicants must have a creative writing style, adding the ability to write succinctly and clearly, stressing the point that applicants must have a “willing to do anything” attitude.

Soglin said while working at current employer Epic Systems Corporation, a health care information technology company in the Madison area, he employed his own advice when he was asked to be a travel agent, even though he knew nothing about how to be one.

Due to his interests in travel and his willingness to try anything, he said he successfully took on the challenge.

“I’ve had seven jobs and I’ve quit seven jobs,” Soglin said, adding Wednesday would be his last day with Epic because he is ready for something new.

Starting out with entry-level jobs such as a cab driving and bartending, he went on to become a financial planner, the mayor of Madison and has worked for numerous top-notch companies, but said his biggest passion was public policy.

He stressed that every decision involves risks, but it is all up to an individual to take them wisely.

“Decide what you want to do and then go and get it,” Soglin said.

He said students should know their individual strengths and weaknessness, and should work to develop those strengths.

Soglin advised students to be passionate in choosing a career.

“Major in [your passion] if you like it, even if people say you won’t make any money in that profession,” he said.