WHEN DID YOU KNOW?
We were all doing what we do now when we were 10 years old. Kind of… Long before reading resumes, interviewing interns, production prospects, and skilled tradespeople, there was GI Joe. This is what a lobby full of applicants looked like when I was in 4th grade- a red, plastic collector case.
Some of the first teams I put together were for backyard rescue missions.
Each Joe had a file card with their skill set, personality profile, pay grade, and hobbies. My younger brother and I would read about each action figure and then decide if they were a good fit for the job. A soldier dressed in arctic gear rarely was sent to the desert. However, if they could drive a dune buggy or hack into a Cobra mainframe it was a real plus.
Now and then, colleagues and I will chat about when we knew the type of work we wanted to do. Engineers will talk about a remote control car they modified in the 5th grade. I have met a few electricians too, that fixed a toaster during summer break or programmed a garage door opener.
It is important that we all look back at when we started down our career path. Reconnecting with what makes our craft satisfying will bring back memories. Many probably started towards the end of elementary school.
Be proud of your career and remember where you come from. Job satisfaction is a true blessing.
And knowing is half the battle!
Emerging Tech | Transformative Leader | Customer Experience Executive| Stevie Award Winner
3moEqual access to learning as well as the tools to receive information is key to development. With Skills having such a high value in the future of work, this is a very smart investment. Great to see.