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.

Stephanie Thomas

The most important professional lesson I have learned came from my years practicing as a pharmacist — and it wasn’t what I expected.

I entered the profession with the sincere intention of helping people. I thought dispensing medications would be a noble way to serve, that I’d be contributing to real healing. However, I quickly came to realize that, within the strictly biochemical and pharmaceutical-based model, I wouldn’t be helping many people at all — at least not in a way that aligned with my ethics or my perspectives on health. Read more>>

Kai Apo

My first job was in hospitality at a retirement residence in Hawaii, where residents enjoyed a fine dining experience at every meal. I worked there for five years–throughout all four years of high school and into my first year of college. I served over 100 residents during each shift. Over time, I quickly memorized everything from each persons favorite drink orders, first and last names, and even their special quirks. I honestly had more elderly friends than I did friends at school! Read more>>

Nat Chantharojwong

I recently completed my storyboard artist internship at Illumination Entertainment, the studio behind beloved films like Despicable Me, Minions, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie. I chose to fly out to Santa Monica for the in-person experience, and I’m so glad I did.

What made this internship truly unforgettable were the lessons I learned, not just about storyboarding, but about working in the animation industry and growing as a creative professional. Talking to people across departments: story artists, producers, marketing, finance, HR, and more, taught me things I’ll carry throughout my career. Read more>>

Jess Rogers

Before I started my marketing company, I worked for someone else at a small marketing agency. It was my first job out of college, and it was something I just fell into. I was completely green and wasn’t sure that working in marketing was the right fit for me.

While I was pleasantly surprised to find that I loved the work, my clients, and my teammates, I really struggled with the leadership style of the owner. It became apparent that their credo was that underlings should fear for their jobs, and that ideology didn’t foster a safe space for learning, growing, or approaching issues with autonomy and critical thinking. Read more>>