 Hilferty had received an offer of a $22,000-a-year position at Electronic Data Systems after completing his graduate degree in 1981, but turned it down in favor of a spot at Misericordia Hospital.Hilferty worked with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in a volunteer program improving city playgrounds in Portland, Oregon and came to the realization that he "was a pretty good leader" based on his ability to accomplish his goals by managing his resources and connecting with government officials.From 1987 to 1990, Hilferty was the assistant vice president overseeing community and media relations for Saint Joseph's University.