Significant Career Lesson From a Communications and Human Resources Manager at Goleta Sanitary District
Laura's career journey highlights the importance of self-awareness, stating "knowing where your skillset is and really embracing...what sort of things you do well" is key. A surprising pivot after a disastrous interview led to their current fulfilling role at Goleta Sanitary District, demonstrating the value of resilience and recognizing that "sometimes it takes a while to get there, but it can be done."
Communication, Self-Awareness, Adaptability, Networking, Career Development
Advizer Information
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Job Title
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Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Laura Romano
Communications and Human Resources Manager
Goleta Sanitary District
University of CA, Santa Cruz, Prefer not to say!
Calif. Lutheran Masters in Public Policy & Administration
History, Art History
Food, Beverages & Alcohol, Government & Public Sector
Communication and Marketing
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Identify and leverage your skills: Understand your strengths and how they translate to different roles, even if not directly apparent. Laura emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and recognizing transferable skills like communication and empathy.
2. Embrace pivoting and adaptability: Be open to unexpected opportunities and career shifts. Laura's experience shows how setbacks can lead to better opportunities if you're adaptable and willing to learn.
3. Continuously learn and seek challenges: Never stop learning and seeking new challenges to improve your skills and expand your horizons. Laura highlights the importance of continuous education and growth in maintaining a fulfilling career.
Transcript
What's one lesson you've learned that's proven significant in your career?
This is going to sound basic, but I think knowing where your skillset lies and really embracing and understanding what you do well is important. It might seem like you don't have a skillset that would apply to a job at a wastewater treatment plant.
While working on a political campaign, I learned my strongest skillset was really dealing with people and connecting with them. You might think, "That's great, but how does that get you a job?"
Understanding that I possess skills like empathy, being able to read people, communicate effectively, and make people feel important directly translates to my current role in communications. It took me a while to learn this.
In college, aptitude tests suggested I'd be a nurse, but I hate needles and blood. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew I was outgoing and enjoyed interacting with people. It took me getting involved in something where that skill actually shined to understand myself better and learn how to apply it.
Another significant thing in my career has been being able to pivot and think outside the box. If you falter in one aspect of a career, there might be a reason or something better.
Before my current position, where I've been for over seven years, I interviewed with another governmental institution and completely messed up the interview. I was devastated, thinking I'd never get a job. Within a couple of days, I received an email inviting me to interview for this position, which I'd forgotten I'd even applied for.
That other place was not the right fit, and my skillsets clicked with what they were looking for in this job. I'm so glad it worked out that way. Being able to pivot and know your skills, then make the most of them, is a gift to yourself.
It sometimes takes time to get there, but it can be done. I encourage anyone going through this to sit down and take a hard look, or ask friends what they think you do best and what skills they see in you. Listen to that feedback.
If some of your skills aren't directly transferable, broaden your horizons or consider learning new ones. Education is great, and I always want to be challenged and never shy away from learning new things. I think all of that contributes to my happiness in my career.
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