Starting my Journey

Today, I officially end my 9-month grueling job search. But more importantly, I’m starting my first full-time job and am launching into my career. Here’s what I learned in my journey so far, and how I plan on taking this next step:

1. Never Sell Yourself Short. After over 6-months of searching for a full-time role, repeating the same process of searching, applying, getting rejected, and repeating, I finally received my first full-time job offer… and I turned it down. To be completely transparent, It wasn’t a perfect fit. Frankly, it wasn’t even close to a good fit. I had the option to end this awful job-searching process and settle for a role that wouldn’t be challenging, or engaging enough. But hey, at least I’ve got a job, right? Wrong. I knew I wouldn’t love it, so I graciously declined the offer. I declined because I know my capabilities and strengths, and I deserve to be in a role where I can really contribute and hit the ground running. Several months later, I received an offer that gave me more opportunities to work hard and make meaningful contributions. You may disagree with me, thinking I have to be at the bottom of the totem pole and climb the corporate ladder, dealing with more “intern tasks” just because “that’s how it’s always been”, and that’s okay. I know my worth, and I'm happy I found a role that recognizes that. I found an opportunity to dive deep into my craft, invest in myself, and prove who I am to an amazing, dynamic team.
2. Expect the Unexpected. Coming out of school, I was so excited to land my first role. After graduating, I told myself that my goal was to have a job by July. I thought “How hard could it be?”. After all, I had a master’s degree at 23, nearly a dozen internship experiences, a patent, letters of recs, leadership and service roles, etc. This was going to be a cakewalk. July rolled around and my goal shifted to August, then September… then October… then I just wanted a job before the new year. That didn’t happen either. I was frustrated and confused, and now realize how bad people say job searching really is. There will be bumps in the road, and moments when you feel like giving up. Rejection becomes a daily occurrence, and self-doubt creeps in when you least expect it. But those bumps in the road taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to myself. They reminded me that the process isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about finding the right fit, the right team, and the right opportunity to thrive.
3. Always Ask Questions. I was never the smartest guy in the room, nor did I ever want to be. I’ve found that surrounding myself with diverse, driven, intelligent people pushes me further to discover and learn more. I’ve learned that the key to growth is being curious and open to new perspectives. Surrounding myself with people who challenge my thinking and inspire me has been one of the most valuable aspects of my journey. Asking thoughtful questions has allowed me to gain insights, build relationships, and uncover opportunities I might have otherwise missed. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about having the humility to seek them. I've had the opportunity to speak with thought leaders and world-changers to gain valuable insight into their life. I finish nearly every conversation with one simple question: “If you could go back and tell your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?” Asking insightful questions allows me to adapt and shape my career while learning from the experiences of those who have walked this same path before me.
4. Stop Being Modest. It’s time to focus on YOU. So many times I’ve been told to stay humble, keep quiet about my accomplishments, not to brag or boast, etc. I’m proud of myself and the amazing opportunities that I’ve been fortunate to be a part of. I’ve worked hard, and I’m passionate about the meaningful work I do, in an industry that I find fascinating. Working on your personal brand will allow you to get that head start you deserve. Show the world what you bring to the table—your unique skills, experiences, quirks, and passions. Share your story unapologetically, because no one else can tell it for you. Building your personal brand isn’t about arrogance; it’s about confidently owning your value and letting others see the impact you can and WILL make. Whether it’s through networking, creating content, or simply highlighting your achievements, investing in yourself and your growth will open doors you never thought possible. So, take control of your narrative, celebrate your wins, and don’t shy away from showing the world exactly who you are.
5. Show Empathy. I was always taught to work hard. Give 110% and do something I love. Whatever I do, do it, and do it well. Hard work and dedication have gotten me to where I am today, but the one true value that was most important was being kind. Understand that you are on a completely different journey than those around you, and success may look different. While we can all be locked in our work and be hyper-focused on deadlines, goals, and deliverables, we can’t truly value what we’ve done without taking a step back. A moment of reflection allows you to understand where you are, how you got there, and who helped you along the way. So take that step back, appreciate your peers, lend a helping hand, and show kindness whenever you can.?
6. Run Fast, Drive Slow. Life is a balance of pushing forward and taking a moment to pause. When you’re running, you’re putting in the work—not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it. Running builds strength, resilience, and growth. It’s about showing up for yourself, chasing your passions, and committing fully to what you love. When you’re running, RUN. But just as important is knowing when to drive slow. Driving slow means stepping back to reflect, appreciate, and recharge. It’s about acknowledging how far you’ve come, celebrating your wins, and taking the time to breathe. Life isn’t just about grinding toward the next goal; it’s about savoring the journey along the way. Run with intention and purpose, but don’t forget to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the ride. Run fast, drive slow.

-S