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.
Angela Posillico
The most important lesson that I learned from a job was a saying from a former CEO: ‘Promise what you deliver, and deliver what you promise’. This is very important whether you are working on a job, or even having your own business. As the CEO for Ms. International World, it is important to keep the promises that I make to my contestants and titleholders. Read more>>
Shani Canillas
During my years overseeing government proposals, my world revolved around efficiency, timelines, and compliance. Much of my work meant gathering information from multiple departments, distilling it, elevating it, and shaping it into persuasive, strategic narratives. I led these meetings by asking clarifying questions, aligning perspectives, and connecting the dots between diverse teams. Read more>>
Kiyanna Lawrence
Right after COVID, I took a job at a daycare. I’ve always loved kids, and honestly, I’ve always seen myself as a big kid at heart. I love embracing my inner child, staying playful, doing crafts, and listening to their stories. So at the time, it felt like, yeah, this makes sense for me. Read more>>
Robin Shwetzer
The most important lesson I learned from a job was during my thirty years as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Government. The most critical skill for anyone analyzing intelligence for decision-makers is to be unbiased–to examine all evidence with a skeptical eye whether from a human source or technology. Read more>>
Angie Pedersen
It’s not so much an experience at a specific job. Over the course of my professional life, I’ve learned the value of adaptability and resilience. You never know when you’re going to have to pivot – whether into a new role in your current job, or into a new role or industry. Read more>>
Veni N
The most important lesson I learned in my career was to stand up and take control of a situation when expectations are pouring in from all directions. In one of my early roles, multiple people were pushing their priorities onto me at the same time, which naturally leads to confusion and the risk of mistakes. Read more>>
Zack Keller
During my last two years at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, I was lucky enough to be an editorial intern at Pixar Animation Studios. The world-class editors there let me be a part of the post-production process on films like Ratatouille, WALL-E and Up. Learning the basics at film school while also collaborating with these masters of the craft was the ultimate educational combo. Pixar was where I first learned a lesson which I took with me for the rest of my career: A good idea can come from anywhere. Read more>>
Kate Hinnant
In college, I interned at BC Clark Jewelers in Oklahoma City, and it was the first time I experienced a traditional 9–5 work structure. It was a wonderful business with kind people, but I quickly realized something important about myself: I felt boxed in. The routine, the hierarchy, and the limited room for creative influence made me feel like I was shrinking instead of expanding. I was eager to contribute ideas, try new approaches, and think outside the lines — but the nature of the corporate environment didn’t always allow for that. Read more>>
Kayte Callaghan
I have been, and still am, a registered adult nurse in the UK. From the beginning of my career, I was drawn to challenging environments the kind that test your limits and push you to grow. I worked in elderly medicine, A&E for many years, and later in a hospice in London. As you can imagine, those experiences taught me countless lessons many of which, as a 21-year-old fresh out of university, came as a shock. Read more>>