Episode 37: Navigating Career Growth with Honesty and Grit with Kevin Nunes

Episode Description

Today, I am joined by Kevin Nunes. With over a decade of experience, Kevin offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay of factors that contribute to a successful career journey.

Kevin shares his insights on the significance of taking chances and pursuing your passions, and the crucial role networking can play in opening doors and creating opportunities.

Listen in as he shares how to leverage internships and campus involvement to kickstart your career. Plus he offers his valuable insight into the most important attributes hiring managers are seeking in recent college graduates “Leaving The Nest.”

Thanks again for listening to "Leaving The Nest." I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kevin!

Please leave us a review wherever you are listening and share this episode with others you know who are just "Leaving The Nest."

In This Episode

[00:33] - Kathleen introduces her guest Kevin Nunes, VP of HR at Quick International, here to discuss his career journey and offer his advice for entry-level job candidates.

[01:19] - Kevin introduces himself, and talks about his role at Quick International, and his journey within the company.

[02:56] - Kevin discusses his college experience at Quinnipiac University and being a student-athlete.

[04:21] - The challenges of time management as a student-athlete and the structure it provided Kevin.

[06:39] - Time management advice and comparing college student schedules.

[08:20] - Kevin's transition from college to career, starting as an Intern at Learning Dynamics.

[09:32] - Kevin explains Learning Dynamics, his internship experience, and the impact on his time management skills.

[12:02] - Kevin discusses his internship at Learning Dynamics and the difference between that and his current office job.

[13:06] - Kevin shares his thoughts on transitioning from academic settings to professional responsibilities.

[14:15] - The learning curve in adulthood and professional development.

[15:10] - Kevin discusses the value of professional etiquette and learning from trial and error in the workplace.

[16:31] - The importance of diving into learning experiences and mentions the gaps between academic and professional preparation.

[17:22] - The real-world skills not typically taught in academia, such as interviewing, conflict resolution, and accountability.

[18:07] - Kevin shares an awkward experience with sending a handwritten thank-you note and the importance of being conscious of how you come across.

[20:12] - Kathleen emphasizes the value of standing out through memorable actions.

[21:37] - Kevin shares how he chose industrial organizational psychology, and how he got involved with Learning Dynamics.

[22:11] - Kevin discusses his interest in industrial organizational psychology and networking to secure his internship at Learning Dynamics.

[24:31] - Kevin advises listeners to prioritize networking over blindly submitting resumes online for better career prospects.

[25:13] - Kathleen discusses the importance of networking and how students sometimes underestimate their existing network.

[26:15] - Kevin shares an important point with listeners about the limited differentiating factors in early career stages and the importance of networking and experiences beyond your GPA.

[28:41] - “Leaving the Nest”: Kevin shares his gradual transition from college to adulthood, adjusting to a routine, and letting go of certain college habits after starting his first full-time job.

[30:23] - Kathleen discusses the challenge of adjusting to a set schedule after the flexibility of college and mentions her experience hiring recent grads who struggle with the change.

[31:23] - Kevin explains his current role as responsible for the HR function at Quick International Courier, which operates in multiple countries, and highlights the complexity of managing HR across different locations.

[33:20] - Kevin acknowledges the challenges of working in a large company but also appreciates the opportunities for growth and making a significant impact in a more decentralized organization.

[34:46] - Kevin contrasts the stereotypical processes of large companies with his experience at KN, where he's had the opportunity to contribute and make a name for himself.

[36:04] - Kathleen congratulates Kevin on his almost twelve-year tenure at KN and inquires about his career growth within the company.

[36:38] - Kevin reflects on his journey of working his way up at KN and shares the contributing factors.

[38:48] - Kevin shares a poignant story about how a role he currently holds became available due to unforeseen circumstances and highlights the role that luck has played in his career path.

[40:49] - Kathleen reflects on the unpredictable nature of career paths and how various factors often come together to shape one's journey.

[41:38] - The attributes and qualifications Kevin looks for when hiring entry-level candidates for HR and talent acquisition roles.

[42:06] - Kevin emphasizes the importance of behaviors and character in entry-level hires and how to develop the desired behaviors a job candidate needs.

[42:58] - Kevin shares some specific scenarios where behaviors and character traits play a significant role in evaluating candidates' suitability for a role.

[43:30] - Kevin shares his advice for interviews and the importance of providing specific examples from past experiences, that showcase a positive attitude and energy.

[43:51] - Kathleen shares her insight into what might tip your hand in an interview if you lack experience.

[44:26] - Kevin emphasizes the importance of avoiding societal pressures in career choices, highlighting the importance of knowing your true career goals and balancing your professional ambitions with other life priorities.

[46:06] - The less glamorous aspects of growing your career.

[47:43] - Kevin talks about the importance of grit, and staying focused in the face of setbacks.

[48:35] - The realities of career paths and social media portrayals.

[49:07] - You can connect with Kevin on LinkedIn where he welcomes connection requests and messages from professionals seeking advice or networking opportunities.

[49:58] - Thanks again for listening to Leaving the Nest. To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast 

Connect with Kathleen:

kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677

Connect with Kevin:

LinkedIn