We asked several Xenium employees about a lesson they learned early on in their career that could benefit those who are just starting out. Here’s what they said!
Something that catapulted my career from a very early stage was a willingness to take on any new challenge or task that came my way. I don’t ever recall saying “I can’t do that” or “that’s not in my job description” – I always looked at my job as if I was an owner, and that my success or failure was my responsibility.
My advice is to be willing and open to stretching yourself, even if it makes you uncomfortable. The opportunity to learn and grow is worth it!
Anne Donovan, President
Anne’s first professional job: Recruiting Intern
Feeling overconfident in understanding how the laws are actually practiced versus what the law specifically states. Seeing people be too black and white about HR situations and not being flexible in their understanding of the client business and their business needs. Assuming that relationships with clients will always be the same, they too are a moving part and we have to be able to move with them and always continue to show value.
Alishia Young, Director of HR Services
Alishia’s first professional job: Administrative Assistant
When I think way back to my very first job, it seemed as though I simply chose a profession to make money, or a field that had the potential to make good money. Working to grow, develop, and produce should have been at the forefront of my mind, because the money would eventually be a byproduct of all of that. I knew I had no passion for what I was doing and I didn’t feel tied to any sort of overarching business objective that would keep me motivated. I guess you could say I didn’t have purpose in that first role.
My first real office job was a great learning experience. It wasn’t a fit for me at all, but it was the first time I had that realization, that I was working for money rather than working to help people or develop a great career. When I arrived at Xenium in 2008, I was around people who knew they were helping people, they felt their contributions were tied to overall business objectives, and knew in their hearts that they were growing, developing, and progressing in a career.
I think that people early on in their career should identify their purpose, and if they can’t achieve it right away, do the work as best as you can and develop as many skills as possible by saying “yes” to everything thrown in your direction. Then move onto the next thing that gets you closer to what you want, to being fulfilled by your job.
Brandon Laws, Director of Marketing
Brandon’s first professional job: Insurance Agent
I wanted to know everything yesterday, so I put extreme pressure on myself to know the answers and be perfect. I had a boss tell me once, “It’s ok to calm down and smell the roses!” It was the best gift!
Kim O’Donnell, Director of HR Services
Kim’s first professional job: Management Trainee
What served me well was being a sponge, ready to take on anything just to learn. I worked for 3 different business units in my first role which meant I had access to a lot of people and a lot of projects. We were lean in administrative support overall, so when senior leaders needed to delegate projects resources were slim. I took on projects that were important but weren’t exactly ‘sales and marketing’ related. By successfully supporting almost anything and everything that came my way, I was viewed as a capable, cooperative ‘get it done’ team member, and I also gained a ton of experience. It helped me hone in on what I really liked doing, what I was naturally good at (and not!), and what direction I really wanted to go in with my career.
There are a lot of books written about how to “say no” to work that isn’t in your wheelhouse or how to delegate tasks, but earlier in your career I think getting your hands on as much as possible is a better win.
Angela Perkins, VP of Sales & Marketing
Angela’s first professional job: Sales & Marketing Coordinator
In my first HR role, I worked under a manager who was highly effective operationally but had a very hard-driving, commanding, and controlling style. Frankly, he was inappropriate and abusive at times. His communication was 100% directive, and he did not want any input or questions from me or any employee.
It was very intimidating and frustrating, especially being early in my career and wanting to prove myself. I also didn’t feel that I had the option to quit because I needed the job. After feeling angry and miserable for quite some time, I finally made the decision that I was going to focus on what I could actually control. I would figure out the best way to understand him, work with him, and learn from his operational success, so that I could be successful. Through observing his communication and behavior in a nonjudgmental way, I figured out the best way to communicate with him to get what I needed as well as gain his approval and buy-in of my ideas.
This was not easy! It was before I had access to a tool like DISC, so I relied on my life experience and psychology background. By using this approach and consistently producing results in my role, I gained influence, and this manager became my biggest fan and fiercest advocate. As he advanced within the organization, opportunities also opened up for me. I eventually created a proposal for the organization’s HR function, which subsequently resulted in me becoming their first Director of HR.
My lesson learned from this experience: Your power is greater than you think. Do not assume or accept that you have no influence because you work for “poor” leadership. The effort is takes to understand and relate to others, even the most “difficult” people, can make a big difference in your ability to influence your desired outcome.
Suzi Alligood, Director of People Development & Culture
Suzi’s first professional job: Staffing Coordinator
You cannot get by on charm alone. This isn’t college, it’s the real world, with real work that entails rolling up your sleeves, staying late and getting dirty. You have to earn respect and that comes from demonstrating a solid work ethic and integrity in both your work and character. Man, if I could go back and see my fresh faced college graduate self – I would shake me by the shoulders and say, “WORK HARD! A degree alone does not a career make.”
Molly Kelley, Sr. Human Resources Business Partner
Molly’s first professional job: Public Relations Intern