Significant Career Lesson From a Public Policy Manager at Global Health Non-Profit
Zeke's most significant career lesson is to "go outside" and actively seek opportunities, even if it feels uncomfortable or requires extra effort. This proactive approach, exemplified by joining a young professionals board via a random email, has led to valuable networking and career advancement, proving that "showing up" and engaging with others are key to success.
Networking, Public Policy, Non-profit, Career Development, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zeke Sandoval
Public Policy Manager
Global Health Non-Profit
University of Southern California, 2019
Not applicable
Political Science, American Studies
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Legal
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Don't be afraid to look foolish or stupid; taking chances and putting yourself out there is key to career advancement.
2. Actively seek opportunities; joining organizations, attending events, and networking are crucial for career growth and meeting mentors.
3. Showing up in person for events and meetings makes a significant impact, and in-person interactions are more memorable for networking than online interactions.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
Do things go outside and do things? It's annoying, and I think that when you're young, it's easy to be cautious because you don't know, and you're worried about looking foolish or stupid. Own it. You're going to look foolish and stupid. You just have that much going on; it's fine. No one expects you to be a wonder kid. It's totally fine.
You've got to go outside. You've got to join things. Like this opportunity that we're having right now of talking to you, I'm part of this because, separate from the organization that I work for, I'm on the young professionals board of a different homeless services organization that I really enjoy. That's how I met Shane, who then referred me over to you to do this advisor thing, right? And who knows where this will lead.
The only reason I'm even on that board is because I got a random email asking me to join. I was like, "Sure, okay." Take the opportunity. Take the five minutes, 10 minutes, 60 minutes, whatever it takes to fill out an application for something and do things. Then show up in person when you can.
I know it's been really hard for the last couple of years to show up to things in person. In LA, it's tricky because our public transit system is really not that great, and you have to have a car. It's really annoying. But when you can show up to stuff, people remember it, and it matters. You meet people, you talk to people, and you don't even have to try.
Networking is just the fact that you're there and having a conversation and being yourself. That's networking in and of itself. So, I think that is something that's hard to do. I even have to push myself still.
My God, I want to go do this thing on the weekend. I'm trying to relax and take time for yourself too. But nine times out of 100, I'm glad that I got up off the couch and did something productive.