A job you can get from a community college training program

I'm a big fan of the ways community colleges open doors to higher education to all people - especially when it allows people to transfer with their AA degree to go on to get their bachelor's degree, as well as continue on to graduate school. 

Community colleges also serve another very important purpose - they help train people who are ready to get right into the workforce and do jobs that many of us benefit from every day.

In the newest installment of The SKiNNY, the college success show I host on TCC22, we're taking a look inside some of these community college training programs to help uncover some of the great things going on in community colleges, as well as help potential students see what kinds of job training is available at two-year institutions. Please share with anyone you know whom you think might be interested in a job like this! :)

What I learned from my first job out of college OR Why college grads should choose the best opportunity over the best salary

I never felt more awful then when I was looking for my first job out of college. From interviewing for sales jobs I was so wrong for to considering being a Disney costumed character I was epically lost.

Sure, when I started out I had all these dreams when I started college. But when I graduated, I lost my vision completely.

Suddenly, I just had to get a job. That was the next step and it needed to happen right away and it needed to be “good.”

The world became small again and my lack of professional experience and understanding felt overwhelming. What did people actually DO in work? What was this whole professional world all about? Where in the world do I fit in?

I did informational interviews all over the place and while they were incredibly helpful, so far all the interviews were showing me what I DIDN’T want to do.

Eventually, I found my way back to working in education, at my local community college. I took an entry-level job and a tiny itty-bitty salary, and even worked for $10/hour for the first month.

While my role was in the back office processing baccalaureate applications (the community college had just started offering a few bachelor’s degrees) I also filled in a few hours each day on the “floor” where we helped incoming students fill out and prepare for enrolling in community college.

That floor is where I began my journey of learning about the community college experience in an entirely new way. I saw life “on the other side.” I saw what happened in administration and how it affects students, and more importantly, I got to interact with so many hopeful students pursuing their education.

I fell in love with the students who walked into that office. They were so diverse in every way, with one thing in common – they all desperately wanted an education.

I’ll never forget talking to one student from Laos – at the time I had never even heard of the country (pathetic, I know). He was wrapped in a beautiful deep orange cloth and had the widest smile and brightest eyes. He had come so far to be here. Wow.

And then of course there were the adorable toddlers who often sat across from me as their mom or dad filled out their college application.

While I hated being at a desk all day, I loved the people I got to meet during that time in my life, and that experience was integral to my work today.

Eventually another position opened up at the college in the Student Life office and I jumped at it. It was competitive but my previous experience working at the college was definitely a huge benefit.

And that brings me to my point (you knew I’d get there eventually, right?).

When you’re looking for your first job out of college, focus more on the right opportunity then the right salary or the best sounding job.

And by right opportunity I mean the position that is going to give you the best chance in getting where you really want to go.

Because chances are, your first job WON’T be where you really want to be. Chances are it won’t be perfect. It will be hard. It may be frustrating. It may not be what you hoped.

And that’s okay.

Because if you choose the right opportunity, you can use your first job to be a training ground, a place to learn, a place to connect with people in your industry, and a chance to contribute something that can help you get to the next step.

This is the time where you can take risks and go for what you really want. Live with your parents if they let you to save money and focus on taking the right opportunity (sorry parents!).

Channel everything you have in getting yourself into the right organization, the right industry, and the right circle of people. Even if that means working hourly or doing something you’re not totally excited to do.

While doing a menial job to get an “in” in a particular organization can be beneficial, it can also be a really good strategy to choose an opportunity at a smaller organization where you will have a lot chances to contribute creative work or manage your own projects.

The key: choose something that has a huge potential for future growth – whether it’s through a particular company or through the tasks you’ll be able to do and learn from.

Go for something that excites you and motivates you to put your all into the position, even when it’s hard and not perfect.

If I hadn’t of worked at a community college this blog, my book, my entire career right now – would not exist.

I’m SO beyond thankful I was able to begin my career at a place that I really cared about, a place that offered me so many rich opportunities to learn and grow.

Don’t be afraid to choose the right place, the right opportunity.

This is your chance to take risks. Be fearless. It will not be easy. You may sometimes cry (and/or turn to Oreos and Full House re-runs as I did on bad days).

The beginning of your career can be really really hard, and I do wish someone would have told me that. But what I do know is that it’s also THE time to “set the table” for what your career can be.

Do it right in the early stages and you can set yourself up for a career you’ll actually like, maybe even love.

For more career advice check out my summer series, FirstJobOutofCollege.com!

What your online presence can do for your career

Did you know I host a TV show? I know, crazy right? I never in a million years thought I'd be hosting anything, but that's what happens when you put yourself out there online. Things start happening.

This can happen to you too.

When I decided to write a book and get it published I read all there was to read on how to do this, and most of the books said to get a publisher as a non-fiction author you have to have a platform (e.g. an online presence).

So I started this blog to begin to connect with my audience and start to give away content for free. 

And since I'm a big fan of multiple learning styles I thought to myself (why don't I read some of my blog entries to my laptop camera and post them on YouTube for students who prefer to listen or watch something rather than read it).

My first YouTube videos are literally me reading my blogs (kind of embarrassing...I can't even watch them now). 

But I just went for it. And eventually, these producers of a local college success show filmed at Tallahassee Community College found me, connected with me, and hired me. I just got back last week from finishing the last episodes for season 2.

The latest episode below is all about professional and social networking, and let me tell you, it works!

When you put yourself out there, especially in the context of something you love and care about, like-minded people will flock to you. Job offers will flock to you. And the best part - you'll meet and connect with amazing people all over the world.

So do you have a good online professional presence right now? Could someone searching to fill your dream job find you? Get going, and hopefully this episode will help!! :)

And for more on building your online presence be sure to download my free ebook How to Get a Job Without a Resume!!

When should you start building your personal brand?

Ever wonder when you should start crafting your personal brand? The answer:

Now. 

Because good personal brands not only win jobs - they also win scholarships.  

When I applied for the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship and read all the essay prompts, I realized "Mmmmm, I'm just a normal girl and think I might wanna be an English teacher" wasn't really a good personal brand. They wanted to know who I was, what I'd been through, what I'd done, and how that influenced what I wanted to bring to the world. 

I worked really hard and thought really hard to put my life into a cohesive essay and subsequent life plan. Sure, that plan changed a lot, but having a direction and thinking deeply about who I was is what made all the difference.

To start, make a timeline of your life and draw pictures to illustrate your milestones and most defining moments. What made you who you are today?

Then, start to think about what kinds of things you enjoy most. When do you feel most alive? What kind of work would you love to do every day?  

You may not know exactly how to communicate who you are and what you want to do right now. And that's okay. 

Having a personal brand isn't about having it all figured out. It's about deciding that you will constantly do the work to create your brand as you learn more about yourself and the unmet needs in our economy. It's about taking ownership of your career before someone else does. 

Whether you're about to start college for the first time or are just finishing up, it's time to begin to figure out what your personal brand is and how you can best communicate it online and in person. 

Today I just launched a free ebook to help you do just that - it's called How to Get a Job Without a Resume, and you can get it for free here!

Today getting a job is about so much more than a resume - it's about how well you're able to communicate your personal brand online and in person. And trust me, you have more to share with the world than you realize. 

Please feel free to share How To Get a Job Without a Resume with your friends and on social media, and feel free to share any thoughts or questions on Twitter using the hashtag #WithoutaResume!

How to Get a Job Without a Resume

Ever felt frustrated by not being able to get work experience because no one will hire you without having prior experience? Ever try any of these things, like, stuffing your face with marshmallows?....[crickets]...... No? Ok I guess it's just me then......

Go to isaadney.com/howtogetajobwithoutaresume to get your FREE ebook (releases 8/5/2013)! :D

How to access the hidden job market

Check out the newest episode of The SKiNNY on College Success to learn how to access the hidden job market and get a great job now and after college! :)

How a Skateboard Can Get You a Job [First Job Profile]

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to wear jeans to work, write on the walls, and have your creative ideas influence millions?

Meet Will Gay, Creative Director at Disney’s Yellow Shoes and the man who helped lead campaigns such as findingfantasyland.com and the iconic campaign featuring YouTube videos of real families surprising their kids with a Disney vacation.

I recently sat down with Will; he shared invaluable advice on how to make it in the creative field, what you can do to get the attention of high-level professionals, and how a skateboard can help you get a job. His story is also jam-packed with with vital lessons for your future career success. 

What was your first job out of college and how did you get it?

Before I graduated actually, I called a bunch of agencies, and didn’t ask for a job directly. I just said I was looking to learn more and that I wanted feedback on my portfolio because I respected that particular person and their position. During my senior year of college I landed a salaried job as a Junior Art Director at one of those small agencies I had contacted.

[Lesson 1: Reach out to people at companies you want to work for.]

What was the most important thing you learned from your first job?

When you’re young you often think you know it all. I did, and at my first job I actually got fired after two years. I pushed hard for good creative work and fought my boss and others in all the wrong ways to get it done. When they lost a big client, I was the first to go.

I learned that there is a right way and a wrong way to fight for your ideas. I was humbled early on.

What did you do to leverage your first job to help you get where you are today?

Even though the first job ended badly, I had worked hard to develop a good portfolio and within three days I got a job with another agency where I got along really well with my boss and started to realize there was another way.

After doing some work there I was recruited by an ad agency in Orlando. However, it seemed I hadn’t fully learned my lesson quite yet.

I clashed with my boss again and found myself fighting for my ideas in the wrong way. I thought I was “irreplaceable” and when they lost a big client, again, I was one of the first to go.

[Lesson 2: Learn from your mistakes.]

This time I was out of work for eight months, which was one of the toughest times in my life, wondering how I was going to pay my bills.

I started freelancing for two agencies, one more well-established and another not so well known in the creative world. Both offered me a job, but I decided to go with the lesser known shop. I wanted the challenge, and I loved it.

We won a ton of awards and during one of the annual Orlando award ceremonies Disney was there and recruited me. I loved my job growing the ad agency I was at, but when Disney comes calling it’s hard to say no.

[Lesson 3: Choose opportunity over salary.]

What did you do to make sure you were prepared for each new opportunity?

You realize in hindsight that the journey and the struggle are often part of something bigger. Each thing taught me an important lesson I took with me to the next stage of my journey.

If I had gotten recruited at Disney too early I wouldn’t have been able to survive. I try to tell people to not try to rush it too much. And I’ve learned that if you always strive for great work and focus on that, the money will usually follow you.

What motivated you to work so hard?

I always wanted to try to do better work at each job, and always strive to do something different. You definitely have to be patient though to make break throughs.

You can’t be a rock star straight out of school. Some people can, it happens, but most people have to be patient and go through that slow step-up process and keep trying to do better things to get a better job.

When I went through a tough unemployment time after college I was really inspired by the story of Walt Disney losing everything he’d worked for in his first animation business, and then as he rode on a train, feeling depressed, he drew this little mouse that started everything.

Exactly. Walt drew Mickey during the worst time in his life. It’s so important to embrace those tough times. If you’re open and not afraid to keep trying, a mouse could pop into your head on a train.

What advice do you have for recent graduates who are struggling to find their first job after college?

Don’t get discouraged too easily.

The key is to be persistent and try to get attention in a unique way. Do something that is the opposite of what everyone else is doing – it’s the only way to stand out.

For example, so many students email me their digital portfolios, so what really stands out now are the things I get in the mail.

[At this point Will excitedly goes to his desk and pulls out this small sketchbook.]

The sketchbook cover.

This is a book someone made and mailed to me titled “15 Fool Proof Plans to get my feet in the door and into a brand new pair of Disney’s Yellow Shoes.” 

The inside page.

And at the end of the book (which was filled with off-the-wall cartoons of how she would ‘sneak into’ Disney Yellow Shoes offices, one of which is below) she hand-wrote the link to her portfolio.

It was obvious this took time to make, and it wasn’t something she could send out to everyone. It was creative, fun, personal, and irreverent. It showed she really wanted to work here, but more so, it also demonstrated the kind of skills needed in the creative industry.

She works here now.

[Lesson 4: Really get to know the companies you want to work for and personalize your approach.]

What advice do you have for grads who want to reach out but aren’t sure how to get the attention of someone in a way that would work for their desired industry and skill-set?

Know your audience and do your homework.

[Will gets up excitedly again to show me a skateboard. I’m confused for a second and then he turns it around to showcase a professional and artistic resume.]

I got this from someone who wants to work in our graphic retouching department. He found out through my blog that I skateboard and like to recycle my skateboards by painting over them.

[He then shows me the bottom of the skateboard where it says essentially “please recycle this board and paint over it.”]

Just like the small notebook, it was very personalized.

What should students avoid?

In the creative field, they should avoid having too many things in their portfolio. You have to self-select; otherwise it seems like you don’t have a point of view.

I also hated when people told me my portfolio was ‘great’ but then never called me back for a job. Students should ask for feedback.

After a recent event at a local university I had a student who asked me if he could walk me to my car. “I’m desperate,” he said, “I can’t get an internship and I need one for my major; I don’t know what’s going on.”

I usually try to leave these events right away so I can have dinner with my family, but I saw the fear in his eyes. I asked him to email me his portfolio.

[Lesson 5: When reaching out to people, don't be afraid to be vulnerable. It shows you care and will get their attention.]

The next morning I received an e-mail from him that had been sent 10 minutes after we talked.

[Lesson 6: Follow up with people immediately. It shows you're serious.]

I went through his portfolio and saw quickly it was not at the level where it needed to be. I invited him to come into the office to discuss it.

Remembering the lack of feedback I received and wished I had in my early years, I was very honest with him and told him what he needed to change.

The next day I got an e-mail with his new portfolio. He had taken my advice; I told him it was great and he told me he’d be sending it out that day.

A week later I got an e-mail from him [Will’s eyes start to water as he says this]…this is so recent I haven’t really talked about it. He e-mailed me and told me he had two internship offers with really great ad agencies and thanked me profusely for my help.

[Lesson 7: Act on good advice from professionals you admire immediately and follow up with a big thank you.]

It makes me tear up because I wished someone had helped me like that – it’s so hard. It made me think about the time I was looking for a full time job and some feedback how no one would get back to me. I felt so proud of him and so happy that the help worked.

He accepted one of the internship positions and is there now.

[Lesson 8: When you take someone's advice you make the other person feel that they're making a difference. It's one of the greatest gifts you can give. And your mentors deserve it, because they are giving you one of the other greatest gifts - their time.]

-----

I want to say a huge thank you to Will for inviting me into his office and giving me a tour. As a super-Disney fan, it was such an honor.

I hope you enjoyed his advice as much as I did, and I hope you take action on some of the gems in this story. 

Who has a job that you admire whom you could reach out to and ask for advice right now? 

What creative way can you get the attention of someone at a company you really want to work for?

Go for it!

How to get a job in the fashion industry: H&M First Job Profile

This summer I connected with some amazing professionals who were willing to share their wisdom. Each profile will feature how their first job out of college led to their amazing careers today (that they love, by the way), as well as their advice to help you do the same.

First Job Profile: Jennifer Ward, Senior Public Relations Director at H&M

1) What was your first job out of college and how did you get it? 

I graduated with an Advertising/PR degree but was having trouble finding a job. I took a job at Tommy Hilfiger as a sales assistant so I could learn the other side of the business until I was able to find a position in PR.

2) What was the most important thing you learned from your first job?

My first job was all about learning about the corporate world and branding. In addition to learning the sales side of the business the behind the scenes was most interesting to me. I learned how everything a brand does is strategic. Why they choose the colors, where the item is placed in the store etc. I thought it was going to be a fashion job, but most of my day was sitting in front of a computer analyzing spreadsheets.

3) What did you to leverage your first job to help you get where you are today? 

My first job helped me form a great foundation to overall understand fashion, but it did not help me much in my goals for PR. 

I had an internship in college for another fashion brand, and a year after graduating I interviewed for a full time position in their press department. It was a very small team of five which is where I learned everything to get me where I am today.

4) What advice do you have for a recent graduate who is struggling to find their first job after college? 

Talk, talk, talk. Ask anyone and everyone if they are able to help - networking is most important. A lot of jobs are not posted on website - it’s all about referrals. 

Having a strong resume will set you aside from the fierce competition. Try to have as many internships and volunteer jobs in your area of interest. If an employer is not hiring they will always remember their smart, motivated intern and help you find a position leveraging their contacts.

Great advice no matter what industry you want to pursue. Thank you so much Jennifer!

How to get a job where you meet people like Jay-Z & Lenny Kravitz

This summer I connected with some amazing professionals who were willing to share their wisdom. Each profile will feature how their first job out of college led to their amazing careers today (that they love, by the way), as well as their advice to help you do the same. 

First Job Profile: Chris McDonald, Senior Producer of The Tavis Smiley Show

 1) What was your first job out of college and how did you get it? 

My first job out of college was a production assistant for the CNN nightly news series "The World Today." I had interned with CNN and after I graduated I just went in and asked for a job. Luckily we had built such rapport during my internship they were gracious enough to employ me as a Production Assistant. 

2) What was the most important thing you learned from your first job? 

I took a lot away from my first job, but one bit of experience remains, and it's a doctrine I continue to live by.

CNN is a big company, so if you work there you deal with a great number of people. I worked out of the Los Angeles Bureau, so the big anchors were always coming through town. Since I was always eager to learn, I pretty much became the designated P.A. for all the big anchors, including Wolf Blitzer, Connie Chung, Lou Dobbs, Soledad O'Brien and more. 

Some anchors their producers have egos, and these people tend to make their power known by stepping on the people below them. In my case, it was me. 

Like many large organizations, the hierarchy was very evident and I found myself getting stepped on. I bottled up how awful it felt and vowed to never be that way to anyone working under me.

Yet for every egomaniac, there's a producer who remembers where they came from and is always open to offer help and advice. 

The funny thing is when I left CNN and got a job with some leverage and power, I was in a position to help an old producer at CNN with a huge favor. She was one of the 'good' producers, so I stuck my neck out for her and gave her her solid.  

I learned to be gracious to everyone you work with in business, and treat them equally no matter the position, because your paths will cross again someday and the tables will be turned. 

 

Chris with Lenny Kravitz

3) What did you do to leverage your first job to help you get where you are today? 

When you come out of college, there is an edge you have above the older working crowd - you're used to burning the midnight oil with term papers and reading hordes of books.

Thus, you have bounds of energy that the average adult no longer possesses. If you're ambitious, take advantage of that! It is a skill that has legs for miles!

I realized that very early on in the beginnings of my work years, and I applied myself in any way I could. Fortunately for me, I worked for a company with my facets to it - CNN had an entertainment unit, a news unit, a sports unit, a business unit and CNN Espanol. 

I went out of my way to work overtime and offer my production assistance to all those departments, and they complied. In doing so, I learned a lot! 

More importantly, I developed trustworthy working relationships with the Los Angeles CNN bureau across the board. Moreover, they started noticing my tenacity and allowed me to work beyond my title. 

Although I eventually earned the title of researcher, my job tasks extended beyond that by writing news reels, associate producing, producing and even conducting interviews on the red carpet and backstage at movie premieres and award shows. 

This enabled me to color my resume so much more than I could have if I simply stuck to the parameters of my job title. 

4) What advice do you have for a recent graduate who is struggling to find their first job after college? 

I always give the same advice that was given to me: you're young and you have the whole world ahead of you! Life is indeed short, but it's the most abused statement about our mortality. You actually have time! You're new to the job force, so your canvas is very large and blank!

You may begin painting a pretty portrait over here, but if you splotch it up, scribble it away and move further down your large blank canvas and start fresh. A lot of people, including myself, expect to come out of college and get that dream job right away. There is a TINY percentage of people that happens to. The rest of us have to work extra hard for several years to get there. 

And that's a rough notion to stomach, because even the most humble of students come out of college with a sense of entitlement - why wouldn't you? You just paid so much for good schooling; your newly acquired knowledge is fresh; you're up-to-date with the latest technology and the person you'll be working for has never heard of it. Frustrating, right? 

But let me tell you... in any industry there is absolutely no knowledge like years of experience and hard work. Take your time, work hard, and your time will eventually come.

Don't get discouraged either when it doesn't happen in three years when you're 25. That's called a quarter-life crises. You still have lots of time ahead of you. You'll get there. I promise. 

Thank you Chris for some of the BEST advice in this series so far! You can check out the Tavis Smiley show on PBS! :)

AskIsa: My ultimate formula for getting the best internships (& figuring out what you want to do with your life)

From the Ask Isa inbox:

Dear Isa,

Do you have any sources for finding internships? I'm a math major and am interested in civil engineering, although I am not 100% on that. I feel that getting a little experience in any engineering/math field would help me figure out exactly what I want to do. 

Sincerely,

Internship Seeker

Dear Internship Seeker,

You are right on about starting to get some experience to figure out what you want to do.

Some of the internship websites I know about are YouTern.com and InternQueen.com; you can also search Indeed.com for "civil engineering internship." I also recommend searching the websites in some of the most well-known corporations in your field to research their internship programs. 

The best internships are highly competitive and doing research early can make all the difference. 

The best thing to do is to start connecting with professionals via informational interviews (something I talk about how to do extensively in the 3rd section of my book.)

Here are the basics of the formula: 

1) Start a LinkedIn Profile
2) Click "advanced search"
3) Put "Civil Engineer" in the job title section
4) Enter in your zip code and choose a 10 or 25 mile radius
5) Click "search"
6) Review the profiles of the civil engineers in your area. What companies are they working for? If you can see their resumes, find out where they got started.
7) Choose one or two people whose jobs and/or companies sound really cool to you and request to connect with them. You can choose "friend," and then in the request message section write something personal telling that person why you admire their job and that you'd like to connect with them to be able to learn from them.
8) If they accept your request, send them a direct message requesting to meet with them for 10-15 minutes in person to ask a few questions about how they got to where they are today, what they like about their job, and any advice they might have when it comes to trying to get an internship in their field.
9) If they say yes, email them back with a few days/times you are free, ask them to pick the 15 minute window that works best for them, and then ask for directions for the most convenient place for them to meet (usually their office).
10) Then show up on time, dress professionally, and don't go longer than 15 minutes unless the person insists they want to talk longer. Ask questions. And listen, listen listen. Take notes.
11) Follow up via e-mail and/or a handwritten card and say thank you.

Most professionals will be so impressed that you've done this that they will offer you an internship directly, though you should never ask. This is just about learning, and if that's all you get it's so worth it. They will also know the best ways to secure good internships in their industry. 

Even if their company doesn't have any internships available at the moment, in your follow up email, ask if you can job shadow them for a few hours one day to see what their work is really like.

You'll be amazed at how much people will be honored that someone admires them and wants to learn from their work, and how much they will do to help you. Try it and let me know what happens!

Sincerely,

Isa 

Internship Seeker's updated response is below - things took a cool turn: 

Isa thank you so much for your advice! 

Looking at civil engineers’ profiles on LinkedIn helped me realize what I want to major in: Nutrition! I know I probably sound crazy, switching from talking to you about engineering to wanting to be a nutrition major, but I truly believe it is what I want to do. 

The Civil Engineering jobs did not sound interesting to me at all. I realized that if I were to pursue engineering I would be stuck in something that doesn’t really interest me. 

 Additionally, I talked to my uncle who went to college for civil engineering, and what stuck out to me was that he said “math is fun.” Math isn’t fun for me, and it surely wouldn’t get better at a four year school. I think I was focusing on the money aspect of engineering. Sadly.

But these two things (LinkedIn and interviewing my uncle) made me stop and think of what really interests me, and it’s nutrition. 

Nutrition is fun to me. I always am reading a book about nutrition, or researching it, or focusing on cooking something healthy. I’m even registered to go to a convention about nutrition in Georgia this fall. And one of my friends noticed that I bring up the topic of nutrition quite often. Nutrition is what truly interests me. So I hope I don’t sound crazy to you.

As I replied to Internship Seeker, she doesn't sound crazy at all. I told her this is one of the best possible things that can happen when you being your job-research process. 

LinkedIn-research, internships, and informational interviews are just as much figuring out what you don't want to do as figuring out what you want to do. Most people don't figure this out until they're stuck doing what they don't want to do.

Happy internship and what-do-I-want-to-do-with-my-life searching to you all! :)

Best Career Book for Class of 2013

What do the principles of entrepreneurship have to teach you about your career, even if you don't want to start your own business?

Everything. 

That is the message of the incredible book I just finished reading by LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and entrepreneur Ben Casanocha: The Start-up of You.

For the past year I have been living a dream job filled with risk, adventure, and airplanes. If you had asked me when I graduated college if I would have been doing what I'm doing now, I would have just laughed and said that sounds like someone else. 

For the past year almost everyone I meet asks me some form of the question "where do you want to go with your career?"

I'm often caught off guard because, honestly, I don't know what the future holds. I love that, but it also scares me sometimes. 

My answer to that question usually goes something like this: "I don't know what will come next; I could have never known I'd be where I am now. My only plan is to keep doing what I did to get this far -  learn like crazy, meet lots of people who are way cooler than me, and work really hard."

The Start-up of You reinforced that this kind of present-focused, people-focused, and learning-focused "plan" is a good thing (whew - thanks Reid and Ben for making me feel better!).

The truth is, you do want to have some direction, but you must be open to change. If not, opportunities will pass you by. 

We don't know what the jobs of tomorrow will look like, so the best thing you can do for your career is to focus on learning today. 

Every time someone asks you "what's next" (which they will a lot - it's a human-nature kind of question) take that time to think about what you are doing today. 

Are you meeting with an interesting person? Are you reading a new book? Are you applying for a new and challenging learning experience? Are you volunteering for projects that interest you at your current job? 

The best way to guarantee a compelling and exciting career for your future is to learn like crazy and surround yourself with people you admire. 

Also, read The Start-up of You. It will pump you up for your next adventure, and give you the tools you need to get started. 

The adventure (and the learning) has just begun. :)

Disclosure: Unless stated otherwise at the beginning of a post, any book I recommend is because I've read it, loved it, and couldn't keep it to myself. I only share books I think will help you and that I love like crazy. 

First Job: From Barista to Executive

This summer I connected with some amazing professionals who were willing to share their wisdom. Each profile will feature how their first job out of college led to their amazing careers today (that they love, by the way), as well as their advice to help you do the same.

First Job Profile: Kaycee Kiesz, Diversity & Global Inclusion Manager

1) What was your first job out of college and how did you get it? 

I began working part-time as a Barista at Starbucks while attending College pursuing my CPA. My first role after college was as an Auditor. Auditing our daily Starbucks Store sales. 

2) What was the most important thing you learned from your first job? 

Network. Build mutually-beneficial authentic relationships throughout the organization and with your community. 

3) What did you to leverage your first job to help you get where you are today?

Volunteer. Volunteer to work on as many cross-functional teams and projects as possible. Volunteer with non-profits and give back to your community.

4) What advice do you have for recent graduates who are struggling to find their first job after college? 

Connect. Connect with as many people as possible, in person, in social media - create a LinkedIn profile and follow companies/brands you admire on Twitter. Many companies post positions on these sites and recruit from them. 

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I want to say a huge thank you to Kaycee for doing this interview. I don't know Kaycee personally, but reached out to her on LinkedIn. Of all of the professionals I reached out to for this, she was the first to respond. It means a lot to us, Kaycee. Thanks!!!

More about Kaycee from her Starbucks Bio:

Kaycee joined Starbucks Retail Operations in 1992. Over her tenure she has been responsible for managing many core partner programs...Kaycee currently manages our Partner Network program which provides a platform for partners to make change, build community, increase engagement and develop professionally.

Kaycee holds two business degrees with emphasis in Business and Accounting, [and] a certificate in Intercultural Competence...Over her 20-year history with Starbucks, Kaycee has organized hundreds of community and partner engagement events; she recently completed a 3-year term on Seafair’s Board of Directors, and is a certified Coffee Master. She enjoys iced decaf americanos on week-days and on weekends indulges in decaf grande non-fat lattes.

Kaycee was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2001. She has embraced this challenge by becoming an advocate for research, friend to others newly diagnosed, a top-fundraiser and spokesperson for the National MS Society. In her spare time, Kaycee enjoys travel, yoga and humanitarian efforts. 

In the past 24 months, she has traveled with the YMCA to Thailand to build a school for children with intellectually disabilities, helped plan a wellness yoga retreat in Bali, and hiked Sugar Loaf Mountain in Brazil.

CC grad & Roadtrip Director for Roadtrip Nation shares his journey

As I share in my book, the best way to figure out your path in life is to learn from those who have done what you want to do. 

Roadtrip Nation has taken that concept to another level by taking college students on a green RV across the country each summer to interview people who have found their own path in life, documenting the entire experience like a reality show.

You can see episodes of the (amazing) show on their YouTube channel (I highly recommend subscribing to it!)

Ray (middle) having a great time on the roadtrip.

I recently met the Roadtrip Director (who is always looking for college students to be on the show) and found out he is a proud community college graduate.

Below he shares his community college story, advice on how to find a job you love, and how you can get involved with Roadtrip Nation:

What led you to community college?
In high school I had a lot of passions and interests, like music and writing – but people were telling me I shouldn’t study those things. I didn’t feel empowered or feel a lot of support. I went to San Jose University just because it seemed like what I was ‘supposed’ to do.

After one semester I realized I didn’t know why I was going to school. I wasn’t feeling connected and I didn’t have a purpose. So I decided to reboot and go to community college where I could take some time to figure out what I wanted to do without feeling the pressure of high tuition.

How did your community college experience change you?
The first two classes I took in community college were comedy improvisation and speech class. I got two A’s and was blown away - I had never been a straight A student and now I had a 4.0! I realized when you like what you are learning it changes everything.

I also started getting involved and saw the power of getting engaged with things that you cared about. I became a part of the student senate and saw the power of being able to have a say on your campus.

At a bigger campus I felt really disconnected, but in community college I felt like I had a say. I found a lot of motivation that I didn’t have in high school, and a lot of empowerment.

I realized when I show initiative, and speak my mind, and push for what I believe, change can happen, I can invoke change on my campus. That was a really big turning point for me.

I also met a lot of ambitious people who really wanted to go places and that influenced me. From there I transferred to UC Irvine and got my Bachelors in 2007.

What led you to working for Roadtrip Nation?
After I graduated college I was convinced that I was going to change the world (typical millennial fire). But around the time economy was struggling; I sent out over 80 resumes and got only three emails back. I didn’t get a single interview.

I was feeling really bummed. I was a college grad, wasn’t making any money, and wondered how am I supposed to make ends meet?

I was living in friend’s garage, and one day he told me “The time you’re most idealistic is when you’re in college, until the real world hits.” So I had to ask myself, do I really believe this, do I just have to buckle down, or am I going to grind and really do what I believe in and do the jobs I need to do to get by until I get into what I really want to do?

I worked a variety of part time jobs for months, always on the lookout for something where I could really make a difference. And then one day looking for a job on craigslist I saw a posting to be a student on this documentary series to do a summer trip traveling on an RV and interviewing people. Angels sung and sun came through the clouds and I thought YES this is exactly what I want and need.

I was lucky enough to be a part of the documentary.

The road trip confirmed everything I believed in; it was eye-opening talking to people who had made it in the fields I was passionate about. They were telling me there’s a place in the world for you and what you care about.

After the trip I had to go home as my dad got terminal cancer - that was a very tough time.

A couple days after my dad passed away Roadtrip reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in being a roadie for them as they traveled to different college campuses. I said yes! I was an intern and worked really hard.

I eventually got a job in outreach and then became the roadtrip director where I get to help pick students for the documentary.

What advice do you have for current community college students to help them succeed?
From my own experience, the most formative thing in community college was finding your own power and strength in the community itself. Heck, “community” is in the name!

You can see the change in a smaller community, and you can make that change. There are so many things you can get involved with. Start with those little seeds, and surround yourself with likeminded people who want to succeed.

And embrace the potential of community college. Out of HS I wouldn’t have been able to get into UC Irvine. But after community college a whole new world opened up to me. The things I learned in community college empowered me to do the work I do today.

Go here to see Ray jam in one of his favorite episodes of Roadtrip Nation, and keep checking this website to see when applications open so you apply to be a part of the next season