A few years ago, my son Carter was a senior in high school and thinking about where his future was heading. Carter was 18 years old, a high school athlete, and had a part-time job at a local golf course.  He was your typical high school boy playing video games, hanging out with friends, and going to school. The future seemed a little too far away and not real. Carter also had to deal with a diagnosis of Dyslexia his whole life. He had to work harder than most to maintain good grades and college felt a little scary.

During Carter’s senior year, we spoke frequently about all the different types of paths he could take with his future. Should he pursue a regular University, Community College, or a trade? During high school, we had an amazing Secondary Education Administrator who was working hard on developing multiple learning paths and was pouring new ideas and initiatives into the school district. He was teaming up with local companies to build and bridge the students to the local talent demand. I heard about this initiative, and had Carter find out more. The district shared a Project Manager apprenticeship opportunity that provided full time on-the-job work experience as well as paid education that was in development with a local construction company with students from around the area. An idea was born, and Carter wanted to learn more.

Carter, along with many other local seniors, had to apply for the apprenticeship before being selected for an opportunity to interview. He had to share his “why” in the application. My husband and I told Carter to research the company and tell us what he had learned before completing the application. He came back and found out it was a small, family started/owned organization who prides themselves in their work, family, and growth of the community. We asked, “do you like this?” and Carter immediately responded with, “Yes. I would love to work some place where the focus is family and community”.   We told him if that’s “your why” tell them in the application.  He did and secured the next step in the process: a live interview.

As the son of a recruiter and an executive, we told him what he had to do to prepare:  

1. Do more research on the company and their mission statement

2. Research what a Project Manager does and be able speak about it

3. Research how your personal traits fit to the position and company

4. Research what a good project manager does

5. We made flash cards of interview questions

6. Know why they should hire you

7. Prepare smart and thoughtful question for the team conducting the interview

8. Close for the job

The list could go on and on, but for over a week he studied we prepped.

Finally, it was the day of the big interview. Carter left dressed in a full suit with his portfolio and 100 butterflies in his stomach. After his interview, he was told on the spot that he was being moved forward to the final interview with the owner and President! He continued to prepare and became more confident with each day. He nailed it. Later, when his school and new employer did a signing day with Carter, they talked about how he was the most prepared interview they had ever had. He really stood out!

Three years later, (present day) Carter is still in his apprenticeship and is 1 year away from graduating with a degree in Construction Project Management. He had his school paid for, has been gaining valuable experience in a full-time job, has no debt and bought his own home 1 year ago. He found his work family, loves what he does and who he does it with. He forged his own path through fear and unknown which started with research and preparation. He stepped out of his comfort zone and took many scary steps which has led this 22-year-old to a bright future down an unexpected path.  As parents, we couldn’t be prouder!

The lesson for today: don’t be afraid to look at a different path. If you know your why, do everything in your power to come to the table having researched the role, organization, and the culture before ever applying to a role. Be prepared from the time you submit an application to the time you close for the offer. Put in the hard work for a career you love, in a culture that fits. Stand Out!