Significant Career Lesson From An Executive Recruiter At A Forbes Top 5 Executive Search Firm
David, an executive recruiter at a top firm, cites two key career lessons: "everything happens for a reason," highlighting how past failures unexpectedly led to their current dream role, and the importance of having a plan while embracing flexibility when unforeseen circumstances, like the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitate pivoting from initial career goals.
Executive Search, Career Planning, Adaptability, Resilience, Professional Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
David Xie
Executive Recruiter / Executive Search Associate
Forbes Top 5 Executive Search Firm
University of California, Santa Barbara - 2017
NA
International Relations & Affairs
Recruitment, HR & Related Professional Services
Sales and Client Management
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Everything happens for a reason. Failure is a stepping stone to success. David emphasizes that his career path was shaped by failures that ultimately led him to his dream job.
2. Always have a plan, but be flexible. Unexpected events will occur, and it's crucial to adapt and pivot when necessary. David's career didn't follow his initial plan, but he adjusted and found a fulfilling path.
3. The importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating career changes. The ability to adjust plans and embrace new opportunities is a key lesson from David's experience. His career path deviated from his initial expectations due to unforeseen circumstances like COVID-19, highlighting the importance of flexibility and resilience in a career journey.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that's proven significant in your career?
It's so hard to pick just one. If possible, I'm going to say two, and they're both clichés.
The first is, "everything happens for a reason." I'm sure I'm not the only one who says this, but I think it's so key. I think about all the failures that have led me to this point.
If I hadn't failed at various points in my career, or even in my personal life, I wouldn't be in this position now. This position is truly a dream. I could not have imagined already finding a career and a job that I'm happy to do for the rest of my life, well before I'm even 30.
The other lesson is to always have a plan, but never expect the plan to go as planned. This is similar to "everything happens for a reason." Take COVID, for example; no one could have planned for it.
I certainly could not have planned how the last six years have gone to get me to this point. I've always had a plan, and I believe you should still try to have a plan, something to work towards that gives you direction, especially professionally.
But when things change or pivot, or something unexpected comes along, be flexible. Don't be afraid to change your plan and pivot if the new thing is going to be better for you.
My plan out of college was to work at that consulting firm in sales for a few years, then get my MBA, and then jump into management consulting. I'm nowhere near that. I didn't get my MBA, and I'm currently in executive search.
This is similar from a professional rigor standpoint but very different from management consulting. It just shows that you should still have a plan. I still have a plan now; my goal is to work towards a partner at this firm. But if that doesn't happen, everything happens for a reason. You have to be flexible.