2017 HBCU Careers Magazine

HBCU Careers Magazine

This learning opportunity paid dividends many years later when I applied for a role with the HR department at my current employer. I was encouraged by a work colleague to apply for the role as it was a great first step to move into the world of recruiting. I went through several rounds of interviews and made it all the way to the finalist round. The feedback I received was that they were very surprised by me and weren’t expecting the decision to be so challenging. Unfortunately for me they had an internal candidate in mind and would be giving them the position. Was I disappointed? Most definitely yes! This time I was very gracious and thanked them so much for the opportunity to interview and meet the leadership of their team. They were very impressed with my level of maturity and told me they hoped to work with me in the future. A month later I received a call out of the blue and was told that the person they hired had decided to take a job outside of the company. They were curious if I was still interested in the role and of course I said that I was! Because of the way I handled the initial rejection I had been given another chance. If I had reacted like I did years earlier there is no way I would’ve been given any thought at all. The woman who hired me is still a close colleague who I’ve had the pleasure of working with in two different capacities now. She’s one of the finest managers I’ve ever worked with and has helped me grow as a professional. This opportunity lead to where I am now, an Associate Campus Recruiter with T-Mobile. You have the power to control your attitude and how others perceive you. Take what you learned in school and have faith in your abilities. You never know where life will take you and the people you’ll meet. By making yourself memorable and building relationships life will present you with opportunities; it’s up to you to make the most of them. Entitlement is everywhere and it canbe a serious trap that stunts your professional growth. I’msure you’ve seen it on campus amongst your peers; in the classroom, study hall, out in the community. Your degree gives you an advantage over other job-seekers, it doesn’t give you anything else. A successful career is something that must be earned. You’ve taken the first step by going to school and committing yourself to years of hard work. Now you must go forth and prove yourself all over again. Take failure in stride, you’ll run into it many times. Use the defeat as an opportunity to make yourself stronger. Leave your ego at the door and move forward! Show the “real world” that you’re ready for the challenge. Also remember that you must carry this way of thinking with you the rest of your life. As you grow and add impressive titles and credentials to your name you must continue to avoid the entitlement trap. The best leaders are the ones who are eternally grateful for the people who have helped them along the way. Your brand is something that is always evolving; remember to evaluate your growth and don’t be afraid to learn new things and take on new challenges. The world is out there waiting for you; go forth and prosper!

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