You're Given Opportunities All The Time... Just Open Your Eyes & Be You!

Sure, some, even a lot of people THINK they knew what they wanted to become professionally; maybe they had pressure from their parents, maybe they were following trends that were “in” at the time, or maybe some allowed their teachers to dictate what THEY thought they should become. You don’t always know the answer until you’re really put in a situation that may change your life forever. 

 I was going to school for criminal justice, thinking I ultimately wanted to go into the FBI or become a police chief like my father, because that’s what I knew. I was always more into sports and being a social butterfly when I was in high school and college, not really thinking ahead to what my future really held for me. 

It wasn’t until I was waiting tables at Ferraro’s, an Italian restaurant in Westfield, NJ that my life really unfolded right before my very eyes. I had normal customers that requested to sit in my section; they’d always ask for me. Little did I know, one of those regular customers turned out to be a VP at a large staffing and recruiting company. One night, while paying the bill, this couple started a conversation with me about what I am doing with my life once I graduate. I explained to them I am on a waiting list to take a Chief’s test to become a police officer. The husband of the family asks me, have I ever thought or considered going into recruitment. Meanwhile, at the time, when he asked me that, I legit had no idea what recruitment was whatsoever, however, me being curious, I listened to what he had to say about it. At the end of the conversation, he asked me to come in to interview with him and his team. I was blown away!! My first job interview. While I had my mind set on taking the police test and joining the police force, my heart was now set on nailing this interview and potentially landing my first job. 

Not to go any deeper into the story to bore you, at the end of it, I interviewed with the company and got the job. My mind and heart were now fully immersed with joining this recruitment company and starting my career. The point and moral of this story are basically, no one dictates your future but you. You may think you’re going to do one thing when in fact, you may be working in a completely different capacity altogether. Personality and character are what hiring managers look for, and if you can portray the best version of you, the opportunities are endless! Keep this in mind, especially during this pandemic, where thousands of you may be reading this and at the same time looking for a new job. Don’t limit yourself at all. You can do whatever you want, if you show your true colors always, keep your head up filled with confidence, and make sure you give 10000% effort. #youcantstopagogetter