Finding Meaning While Finding a Job

Right now it’s hard enough finding work that needs your skills so adding a layer of alignment with passion and values makes it more challenging. Yet, the challenge—and opportunity—lies in transcending this personal quest to unlock avenues that allow us to enrich others' lives through our professional endeavors. Early in your career, it might be harder to find meaning in work, but often companies are highly engaged in their local communities or provide time off for local service if you are in a remote role. I’m fortunate enough to be in roles and companies where I can influence solving business needs while also making lives better beyond the walls of the company.

My career journey, especially the experience at Vertex and spearheading the neurodiversity hiring initiative, proved to be an opportunity to influence solving business problems with an amazing workforce that was largely under, or unemployed, but highly skilled. Before Vertex Inc. , it was a conversation with Jennifer (Wickersham) Mullen and Kevin Grubb, PCC about an accounting student who was neurodivergent and was struggling to find an internship. I recall feeling helpless since my company wasn’t able to hire the student despite their exceptional skills. Fast-forward to Vertex Inc. and I am fortunate to have Amanda Radcliffe as the impetus to look for ways I can bring jobs to neurodivergent talent while also achieving business needs.

Collaborating with organizations such as The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI) , led by Ernest Dianastasis , and Neurodiversity in the Workplace , led by Joseph Riddle , we embarked on an initiative aimed at embracing the talents of adults on the autism spectrum. Ernie and his team allowed us to quickly bring in a structured program that felt like a fit for our technical teams with less risk. It all started through understanding our workforce and where we struggled to attract and retain talent and a talent pool that was well-equipped to be successful but woefully under or unemployed.

This was not merely a hiring strategy; it was a holistic approach towards fostering an environment where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated for the unique perspectives it brings to the table. The results were awesome including an impressive retention rate of over 95%. But, above all, it provided a fulfilling career path for many who were unjustly sidelined in the traditional job market.

The Precisionists helped lay the groundwork for the initiative to start. In parallel, I was fortunate enough to meet a few amazing leaders in neurodiversity initiatives including Joe Riddle. Eventually, we would together form the Neurodiversity Employment Network, but most importantly I found a partner to fulfill one of our hardest-to-hire roles in our state and local tax team. With the willingness to try the program from Chris Livingston , we jumped in and were able to bring on an amazing team that developed their skills and eventually some converting to full-time with Vertex or other companies.

The impact of this initiative went beyond the confines of Vertex. It served as an example of how partners can help organizations fulfill business needs with highly skilled talent. This journey underscored a pivotal lesson: our roles and responsibilities, while defining our career trajectory, also hold the power to influence lives and shape societies. It's about leveraging our positions to foster environments that recognize, nurture, and celebrate diversity in its truest form. It’s about not just finding meaning in our jobs but creating it for others.

Let's not just aspire to be a part of meaningful companies; let's strive to be the architects of meaning. I have found this is all possible through critical lenses including customers, investors, the board of directors, and the leadership of the company.

If you are early in your career and seeking a way to contribute and find meaning, that might mean you do that outside of your job and find professional associations, local charities, or other organizations where you can give back. Hopefully, you can find a career that balances both if you are seeking that in your life.

#earlycareer #jobsearch

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