Experience is often valued because of the lessons prior jobs have theoretically provided us with. While hearing about those lessons isn’t a replacement for actually experiencing it, we thought it would be very helpful to create a space where sharp and generous members of the community can come together to share stories and lessons learned at prior jobs for the benefit of others.

Roseann Willson

When I started my business, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought a photography business would be pretty straight forward and simple. I didn’t realize I would use so many skills that I had learned in my past. The two of the biggest skills are organization and customer service. Read more>>

Carly Adams

At my last corporate job, I did admin work at a video game company. I started at reception and worked my way up. When I left over six years later, I was a C-level Executive Assistant. I learned so much at this company. In the first couple of years I was there, we were in a period of rapid growth, quickly expanded our offices, and grew our staff over 5x what it was when I started. Read more>>

Angela Seals

In my 20 years as an arts manager, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay light and nimble in the work so that you can be responsive and innovative. It’s easy in the nonprofit world for things to get bogged down and overwrought, especially programs and projects that sustain for years. It’s just natural, in our desire to be deep and impactful, to make our work and processes ornate. The best way we can lead is with a touch that is, yes, impactful but also light, efficient, streamlined. That way we can pivot, see the big picture, and seize opportunities quickly. Read more>>

Earl III

I worked at a casino here in Detroit almost 20yrs. I have experience in the bake shop, casual dining, fine dining along with banquet operations. I’ve done a few years working on a food truck there as well. Read more>>

Matt Paul

Early on I found myself undervaluing both my work and time. I thought that I somehow shouldn’t price jobs accordingly because I was just starting out, that because I had a day job in addition to my creative side work. I wasn’t clear that I expected to be paid, didn’t use contracts or agreements. In one such case I designed a product label and was expected to be paid in said product, not monetarily. But ultimately it was because I was not clear and confident. Read more>>

Kai Dranchak

An important lesson I learned, that goes beyond creative jobs, is it’s better to ask than wonder. Early in my career, I had a lot of questions. But, I didn’t ask them because I thought it would make me look incompetent or too green. It’d cost me some time, having to redo work I could’ve done better the first time, had I asked questions. So, I started putting my fears aside and just asking. And asking a lot. I saved time. I was making better work for my jobs’/clients’ needs. I found asking relevant questions can also make you look more experienced. Read more>>

Haley Holden

I am so grateful to have started my career as a music teacher. Teaching in the classroom taught me so many valuable skills. Staying organized, being prepared, thinking through logistics, technology skills, people skills, and the ability to break a task down and explain it have all been valuable tools as I have pursued a career as a full-time artist. In teaching you juggle so much at one time, and as a business owner I feel like I have many areas that need my attention. Read more>>

Wen-Chia Chang

While I was studying, one of my professors said to us: “Don’t just be a designer; be a storyteller.” Design is a cool and tricky way of communicating. It’s not always about creating something pretty; it’s about how it connects with the audience and supports the idea. You can play with different design elements like materials, graphics, typography, and even printing methods to give your creations some character. I believe that designers create is never just delivering a message but rather creating a relationship between content and form. Read more>>