There are also glass walls and doors. They are the blockers that many talented, passionate, and creative people run into just because their career path doesn’t follow the corporate checklist.
Your career – or life journey- doesn’t define your success
I truly believe that having a very different, non-linear career journey is what makes you unique and authentic.
After moving to San Francisco to be part of the marketing team of a top software company, I discovered how few people there, were like me, and by “like me” I mean: went to a small town college in South America, didn’t start their career in a Fortune 500 company, silicon valley start-up or a consulting firm, or spoke English as their second language.
Instead of feeling super proud of myself for being there despite not checking those boxes, I felt like an outcast, I felt I had to work double and harder than everyone else just to keep up. “How can I even compare myself to these people?” I thought. “I’m not as smart as them, or know all the fancy business lingo they use so comfortably”. I literally had to still Google or translate some terms as I started my new role.
Let’s use grit to break glass ceilings.
When there was a project or problem that needed solving, I came with solutions that were very different to what everyone recommended, and I thought it was wrong, BUT it was actually GREAT. It was a different perspective, it was what they love to call in Corporate America: THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX.
It was eye-opening! As I started to notice that although I didn’t have their experience, my own life and work experience was as valuable. I was over-performing and had nothing but great feedback from my manager and team members. The fact that I had a very culturally diverse, real-life, and non-corporate work experience had actually helped me develop skills that were much more valuable. Just imagine, I’ve been a teacher, an oil cargo ship sales rep, a dance instructor, and even a maid. Yes, I was a maid during my student years in Spain because I couldn’t find a job doing anything else. But most importantly, I had grit, and that has been my secret weapon throughout my life. Let’s use grit to break glass ceilings, to prove that diversity brings talent, value, and perspectives that will make any company better.
Working with Melissa was one of the best decisions I've made. She was always quick to respond and asked detailed questions to make the most of my resume. She wanted to get to know me so she can reflect that in my resume and LinkedIn. Working with Melissa has made me more confident on how I'm presenting myself in the job market.
Erica, Resume + Linkedin Review
Melissa has been a great ally in my job search. Thanks to her relevant corporate experience, she has helped me review every detail of my written materials, sharing in every moment a lot of energy with great professionalism and enthusiasm. She is definitely a great career coach!
Jonathan, Job Search + Resume Review + Interview Coaching
Melissa helped me from the beginning of my job search, reviewing my resume and helping me identify and articulate my achievements from each role. Luckily, I got the job! She did not stop there. She helped me with my English skills and how to think like a marketer. I highly recommend Melissa as a Job coach!
Mariana, Resume Review + Interview Coaching
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM
