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.

Debi Derryberry

My first job after graduating UCLA as a pre-med student was as a receptionist in a commercial real estate firm. I learned how to write a proper business letter (emails didn’t exist back then, but an email is very similar to a business letter). Read more>>

Meagan Ludwig

By far the most important lesson I’ve ever learned in my professional life but also in my personal life is the importance of the shift in mindset from focusing on the problem to the solution. Read more>>

Amber Limkemann

As an educator, one of the most important qualities you can possess is integrity. The idea of doing the right thing even when no one is watching. This is of great importance because we are responsible for ensuring the care and well-being of children. Read more>>

Greg Hoy

My dive into tech came later in my career. One of the characteristics of working in ad marketing agencies in my decade in New York City was around ‘the ladder.’ (This was the 2000s and things changed dramatically afterward). Read more>>

Andressa Esteves

My background working as an interior design has been invaluable in shaping my artistic vision. As I navigated the world of design, I got a good sense of of how art interacts with interior spaces. Read more>>

Alicia Dietz

Through my furniture business, I’ve not only grown as a craftswoman, but as an individual. My previous career as a U.S. Army Major and Blackhawk Helicopter Maintenance Test Pilot gave me the discipline and attention to detail needed to construct fine furniture. Read more>>

Frances Money

In a former life, I was a pastry chef, not a winery owner. I worked in downtown Dallas at a high end bakery specializing in wedding cakes. Part of our training was answering phones and fielding questions of potential clients. Read more>>

JPB

The most important lesson I learned in a job that has helped me both in my professional career and in life in general is to quit as soon as possible. This is contrary to what we learn in our society and an unpopular opinion but hear me out. Read more>>

Amanda Scott

Jobs on TV productions allow for personal interactions with so many different personalities amongst co workers. Whether you’re in an production office working in development, or preproduction, or on a bustling production set, or in the post production house; there’s a particular flavor of energy that is brought to each one. Read more>>

Chelsea Jones

As a journalist, jobs in our field are competitive, especially as you climb the ladder. It’s easy to fall into the practice of comparison when you see others advance faster. Read more>>

Johanna Taylor

While I was in school getting my art degree, I worked on-campus jobs as a graphic designer and a motion graphics artist for various departments. Read more>>

Carly Delengowski

One of my most impactful lessons from a previous job is the importance of self-belief and advocacy. Initially, I struggled with doubting myself, but I learned to trust my instincts and speak up, realizing that if I didn’t believe in myself, others wouldn’t either. Read more>>

Jen Boyles

I learned that TRUST is everything pretty early on. When I was a director at my previous agency, every client engagement seemed to be a consistent test of trust — a constant volley between the agency and brand that would go on until the client either felt comfortable or left. Read more>>

Christine “Teeny” Conway

I’ve been a teacher for nearly 10 years. I earned my multiple-subject teaching credential in January 2015, and have worked in hundreds of elementary school classrooms in the past decade. Read more>>

Alanna Easley

This may not be quite so specific, but it’s a lesson I wish I had recognized earlier in life. I grew up as a jack-of-all-trades type – never quite finding my niche, but having my hands in absolutely everything. Read more>>