“What Color is Your Parachute?” Some practical, professional lessons

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Thursday, Mr. Wyatt Ciesielka taught the students lessons he had learned from his professional work experience before being hired by the Church. He began with an overview of Richard Nelson Bolles’s book What Color is Your Parachute?, which Mr. Jonathan McNair had recently covered and asked Mr. Ciesielka to follow up. The first emphasis was the importance of the seven-petal flower diagram, which demands a person to complete a self-evaluation that assists one throughout their career. The petals are—compatibility with people, workplace conditions, skills, purpose, knowledge, money, and location. He explained that we should pray and meditate on these. Although it sounds simple, understanding oneself is essential as we begin our search for a job. A successful salesman needs to have a firm grasp on the product he is selling, and that is what we do when seeking a job. We “sell” who we are to potential employers. 

Continue Learning

Mr. Ciesielka reminded the Living Education students of the need to continue their education through college with certificates, licenses, or simply independent studies. A report from The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that, after several years in the workforce, individuals over the age of 25 without a high school degree make on average $38,000 per year, compared to those with a master’s degree or higher who average making $240,000 per year. The Bible discusses how both women and men can continue learning. Proverbs 24:27 especially exhorts men to prepare for their jobs or careers before beginning a family. Proverbs 31:16 and 26 discuss that the virtuous wife is also educated and capable. She is competent, and her husband trusts her to purchase a field and make a profit. When she opens her mouth, wisdom and kindness ensue. The model wife from the Bible showcases the importance of knowledge and gaining insight, not just for men to provide better.

Another part of learning is through failure. Mr. Ciesielka read a quote about failure from Mr. Bolles’s book, “After each rejection, just know that you are one no closer to a yes.” While failure is frightening and challenging, he shared how it meant one “no” while working in sales would allow his subsequent call to be one closer to a sale. It is like the old saying: it is not how many times one falls but how many times one gets back up.

Believe in the job

Mr. Ciesielka said that even though the students’ jobs shouldn’t define who they are, work would take up a large portion of the student’s life, so it is helpful to believe in their work. He gave an example from his professional life right after September 11th, 2001. The tech company he worked for chose to offer around-the-clock tech support to their customers who lost employees that day instead of seeing the opportunity to sell them new software or support. They put sales on hold to serve those struggling after the attack. While people must work to provide for themselves and others, the work should be rewarding. 

Final Thoughts

Mr. Ciesielka touched on other career advice from the book as well, such as using a networking strategy to create job referrals, the importance of “cleaning up your social media,” “preparing a couple of good elevator pitches,” and points about customizing your cover letter and resume.  He concluded by reminding everyone to seek professional counsel, but most importantly to seek Godly counsel, and to always remember Matthew 6:33. The students were grateful for the knowledge Mr. Ciesielka passed on from his years of experience in the corporate world. First as a software salesperson, then in sales manager roles, and eventually vice president roles. As the students approach the end of their time at Living Education, the lessons Mr. McNair covered from the book, “What Color is Your Parachute,” combined with some of what Mr. Ciesielka covered, will significantly assist them with their transition into the workforce.

Focus Plan on Obtaining a Job.

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This Tuesday, Mr. Mike DeSimone spoke to the Living Education students about three major points on how to get a job—the three absolute keys to getting the job. Mr. DeSimone said many of these keys he has seen work but are laid out in the book, “48 Days to the Work You Love,” by Dan Miller.

The first key was titled “How to Get the Interview”

 Start by identifying thirty to forty companies within the industry where you want to work. There’s no need to worry if you get a job and find out it’s not the industry or job for you. That is okay – you can always move to another. You are the driver of the sector in which you want to work. The key to this point is to be proactive. Do not wait for an ad for a job to show itself – most of the time, it is already too late once the ad is out. Plus, about eighty percent of jobs do not advertise that they are hiring. Once you have thirty to forty companies listed, start sending out letters of introduction by groupings of fifteen. This will help build recognition and get your name out there. You want three points of connection with your name. The second step is to start sending out your cover letters and resumes one week after the letter of introduction. The cover letter and resume should be addressed to someone specific, and hard copies, something you know, will be in a particular person’s hand. The third step is to follow up with a call. Many people miss this step, and only approximately one or two job hunters will follow this through. Calling the person you sent your resume can put you at the top of the list as their attention is now on you as you have contacted them. 

The second key is Mastering the Interview. Do not just wing the interview; this is a sure way to fail the interview. Mr. DeSimone listed some fatal flaws in an interview. The first fatal flaw was the lack of enthusiasm. Do not come in looking like you are dragging or lacking energy. Confidence and boldness are the keys to looking enthusiastic about being at the company. The second fatal flaw is going in with the attitude of “what’s in it for me.” The third fatal flaw was having unclear job goals. That is where you can apply Godly principles by having a serving attitude. Be clear with the company on what you are looking for and how you can help them. The fourth fatal flaw is having a poor personal appearance. Do not come in with a baseball cap. Companies are looking to hire a person, not credentials. Plan to dress one level up from your desired position. The last fatal flaw mentioned was not selling yourself. After an interview, immediately follow up with a thank you note; this shows your character and what you can present to the company. Wait three to four days before making a follow-up call. Don’t be afraid to touch bases.

The third key is Negotiating Compensation. Regarding this part of the hiring process, the company does not need to know the pay of your last job, nor do you need to talk about pay until the right time. The right time to talk about compensation is when you know what the job requires, they have decided they want you, and you have decided you want them. Do not bring up the topic; if you feel the company is bringing up the topic of compensation early, redirect the conversation. Ask to discuss the job itself further. Before the negotiations, make sure you have researched the positions and the position’s pay range. Let the company make the first offer; this is to your advantage. 

The Living Education students took away three keys to obtaining a job and having a plan for getting one. The first key is how to get the interview, get things moving in their favor, and get their name out into the workforce. The second key is mastering the interview, specifically what not to do. The third key is negotiating your compensation and when to bring up compensation.

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The Act of Taking a Risk

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Mr. Tyler Wayne is a serial entrepreneur who has had successes and failures. This past Thursday, he shared with us how being an entrepreneur has taught him to take risks and how we can apply these principles to ourselves.

Mr. Wayne has started four companies and has run his family’s demolition business for years. He began by explaining three common entrepreneurial risks.

  1. Operating Errors
  • Equipment malfunctions 
  • Accidents and Mistakes 
  1. Incorrect Bids
  • Estimating = Gambling. It is a risk
  • Missed Project Scope
  • Under or Over 
  1. Customer Satisfaction 
  • Withholding Payment 
  • Missed Expectations 

He said to handle risk, we need to assess and mitigate it. To reduce the risk of anything, but especially in being an entrepreneur, we need to:

  • Research

We must go out and gain insight into what we plan to do, whether by reading, studying, or talking to experts.

  • Plan

We need to create contingencies and locate points of failure. 

  • Start Small

When we start small, the risk results are also smaller.

  • Learn to Deal With Setbacks 

Even through failure and setbacks, we can learn. We can learn what went well and what didn’t to better prepare for the next thing. Mr. Wayne did not want to scare us but shared what he called the 99% rule. It is the belief that if we had a 99% chance of success, 1 time out of 100, we would fail. He said these were excellent odds, and we must take them. Even if we fail, THAT IS OKAY!

How do we get started? Mr. Wayne clarified that it’s wise to stay small. This way, we can get our feet wet and not drown in the ocean. He also recommended work in an area that interests us. Too many people study something in college that is of no interest to them just because they like the hypothetical paycheck. While it is wise to go into something profitable, our work needs to satisfy us even if we lose money. He also said we need to be getting contacts. Having people in our field whom we can turn to will significantly assist us. The final step is to jump in and practice simply.

Mr. Wayne shared how he enjoys mountaineering. However, he went out and gained some practice before ever trying anything extreme. He started hiking in the Smoky Mountains before moving to the Rockies in Colorado. Because of the practice, jumping in, and doing it, he could eventually enjoy an extreme winter hike in Argentina.

In closing, Mr. Wayne reminded us that everything we do or don’t do has a cost. We always take risks, whether we like it or not. Since everything is a risk, Mr. Wayne told us, “GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING!”

Mr. Wayne’s forum gave us insight into how taking risks in life is an occupational hazard that, if managed well, can lead to a rewarding life. We should not allow risks to stop us from chasing opportunities and trying new things. While we may face failure, and life is full of ups and downs, we should grow close to God so He can advocate for us.