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