What I Learned from Getting My First Job
Jul 19, 2024In a recent episode of "Keep What You Earn," host Shannon shared her journey of landing her first professional job out of college, shedding light on valuable lessons relevant to job seekers.
Shannon emphasized the irreplaceable value of networking, particularly through her involvement with Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed business fraternity. One key connection, Kim, who had secured a position at Ernst & Young (EY) in Boston, became pivotal for Shannon. Instead of asking for a job, Shannon sought advice, demonstrating the importance of building genuine relationships and letting people know your career aspirations.
Another critical lesson was the importance of geographical alignment. Despite her impressive credentials, Shannon initially faced roadblocks because of her desire to work in Boston while being in North Carolina. This experience underscores the need for job seekers to align their job searches with the geographical preferences of recruiting firms or be prepared to relocate.
A turning point in Shannon's story was her educational foresight. By ensuring she had the requisite 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam before graduation, she made herself an attractive candidate who wouldn’t need additional sponsorship for further education. This preparation made her stand out and played a decisive role in securing her position at EY. Shannon's experience highlights the importance of exceeding basic educational requirements and aligning your academic trajectory with industry needs to become a standout candidate.
A key actionable insight from Shannon’s journey is the importance of framing your application to meet an employer’s needs. In her resume, she highlighted her 150 credit hours—a detail that caught every interviewer’s eye. This small yet significant detail made her an attractive candidate as it directly addressed the needs of the hiring managers. Job seekers should always consider how to position their skills and qualifications as solutions to the employer’s problems.
When Shannon got the call for an interview, she didn’t hesitate. She immediately bought a suit and was ready to interview the next day. This readiness to act is a crucial takeaway. Opportunities often come unexpectedly, and being prepared to seize them can make all the difference.
Lastly, Shannon's focus and determination were key to her success. Her goal was to pass all CPA exam sections before her first busy season at EY—a feat she accomplished through disciplined preparation. This strong sense of purpose set her apart and laid a solid foundation for her career.
Shannon’s journey is not just about landing a role at a top firm but a masterclass in networking, preparedness, strategic positioning, and unyielding focus. By following these principles, job seekers can navigate the challenging job market and carve out their own paths to success. Stay tuned for more insights from Shannon and keep striving to keep what you earn!
What you'll hear in this episode:
05:00 Volunteered for AKSCI. Found job contact.
06:49 Networking and perseverance led to my first job.
13:18 Work experience and passing exams required for license.
16:24 Early career challenges led to major success.
If you like this episode, check out:
My Biggest Takeaway from "10x is Easier Than 2x"
The Little Things That Unlocked Growth in My Business and Life
Creating an Outstanding Customer Service Experience
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The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.
