Entry-Level Roles for Aspiring Directors of Operations
Entry-level positions in carbon sequestration often involve "analyst" roles, but Emilie encourages a flexible approach, highlighting how her own career began unexpectedly as an executive assistant at Impossible Foods. This experience, despite not matching initial job aspirations, provided invaluable skills and ultimately propelled career advancement, demonstrating that networking and open-mindedness are key to navigating early career opportunities.
Entry-Level Jobs, Networking, Career Development, Job Search Strategies, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Emilie Wood
Director of Operations
Carbon Sequestration Company
UC Santa Barbara
n/a
Environmental & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Many entry-level positions are analyst roles (business, finance, sustainability).
2. Don't limit yourself to specific job titles; consider roles that offer learning opportunities, even if they're not your ideal job.
3. Networking is key: Utilize LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and company employees to learn about roles and explore opportunities.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
Sure. I think there are many different analyst positions, such as business analyst, finance analyst, or sustainability analyst. If you see the word "analyst," it usually means a lower-level position, which might be more appropriate for someone with less work experience.
Another thing I encourage people to do is not to limit themselves based on a job description. My first job at Impossible Foods, where I ended up working in business operations and strategy, was actually as an executive assistant. I didn't know anything about executive assisting.
I had no idea what Google Calendar was. But because it was a small company, they were willing to teach me and transfer me internally when other teams were large enough. I learned a lot about how startups work, how they are funded, the role of a board, and how executives manage their time.
This experience has made me effective in the workplace in many other ways, even though I would never have sought out that role. I had applied for a sustainability analyst position, which they had already filled. They said they enjoyed interviewing me and asked if I would consider the executive assistant role. I'm so grateful I took a chance on it.
So, I think it's important not to box yourself in. If there's a company you're interested in, try to find a recruiter who works for them on LinkedIn and reach out. Recruiters are always looking to talk to people to fill roles, either now or in the future. Don't be afraid to cold reach out.
Sometimes, the hardest part of finding a new job can be understanding what a job description or title means. Often, it doesn't mean much, and you should just talk to the company to figure out the type of work they're looking to do.