Episode 61: ROCS Wrapped 2025
Leaving The Nest
I am very excited about this episode because I am, for the first time ever, joined by ROCS colleagues and ! Sage walks us through her journey from Recruiter to Account Manager, reflecting on her unique college experience during the pandemic, her career pivot, and the thrill of earning her promotion. Piper shares her start at ROCS straight out of college, including a first day unlike any other, which turned into an unexpected bonding experience with the team. Both of them offer thoughtful advice for recent grads, highlighting the value of being coachable, flexible, and open to feedback in...
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Episode 60: Thriving in a Remote Setting
Leaving The Nest
Join me for this episode of Leaving the Nest as I discuss how to not only be successful but to thrive when working remotely! I highlight the importance of setting up a dedicated workspace at home with as few distractions as possible, a reliable internet connection, and clear boundaries with family, roommates, and pets, and I also stress the need for a consistent daily routine - including getting dressed and ready for the workday, taking breaks, and managing time effectively! Communication is so important when working remotely, and I recommend over-communicating with your team, being...
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Episode 59: Office Etiquette
Leaving The Nest
Office etiquette and professionalism when starting a new job – you have probably heard these terms before and have heard that they are important, but you might not be aware of just how important that they are even for entry-level positions. Having prior experience in an office environment is highly valued by employers, and this can include things like internships, part-time campus jobs, or any role that involves working in a professional setting. Listen in as I cover several key aspects of office etiquette, beginning with punctuality. I advise arriving 15-20 minutes early each day, not just...
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Episode 58: Regret or Adjustment? Making Sense of a New Job
Leaving The Nest
Episode 58: Regret or Adjustment? How to Handle New Job Anxiety Starting a new job and already questioning your decision? In this episode of Leaving the Nest, we explore the common signs of new job regret, how to tell if what you’re feeling is just part of the adjustment period, and how to navigate the uncertainty with confidence and professionalism. Whether you’re overwhelmed by a new office environment, struggling with your manager’s style, or just missing your old routine, this episode will help you break it down. We’ll walk through how to: Identify the real reasons behind new job...
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Episode 57: You Accepted the Job—Here’s What Happens Next
Leaving The Nest
Let’s take a moment to discuss the steps and considerations that are involved after accepting a job offer, from the perspective of both the employee and the employer. We’ll highlight why it's so important to be proactive and responsive during the onboarding process, as this is still part of the "first impression" stage! I’ll outline several key steps that new employees should take, such as promptly starting the background check and paperwork, providing two weeks' notice at their current job, and preparing for the first day by researching the company, commute, dress code, and more....
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Episode 56: From Offer to Onboarding: Navigating Background Checks
Leaving The Nest
One of the final steps in the hiring process that can cause a lot of stress and anxiety is the pre-employment background check which is why I am thrilled to be bringing you this conversation with Kristy Wheeler-Scott, an HR professional with over 8 years of experience, to get the inside scoop on what to expect! Kristy explains that background checks are a very important part of the hiring process, allowing employers to verify qualifications, minimize risk, and ensure cultural fit. While the specific details can vary by industry and organization, most background checks cover criminal records,...
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Episode 55: Final Interviews: Don't Celebrate Too Soon
Leaving The Nest
You have made it to the final round of interviews! Congratulations are in order for making it this far, especially since that means that you definitely have the job, right? Wrong. Just because you have made it to the final round of interviews does not mean that it’s time to mentally accept the job, and in this episode, I am breaking down the very real, very overlooked truth about final round interviews: they’re still interviews. You haven’t crossed the finish line yet, and treating it like a victory lap could cost you dearly. I walk you through what it actually means to be a final round...
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Episode 54: Eyes on You: Winning Over the Panel
Leaving The Nest
Let’s talk this week about the dreaded panel interview. Yes, the panel interview, the one where you’re the only person on one side of the table (or Zoom screen), and there are four or five people staring at you from the other side, shooting rapid-fire questions at you. I know; this doesn't sound fun, but that's why I am doing this episode of Leaving the Nest! If you caught the last episode, we talked about group interviews – multiple candidates, one or two hiring managers, but today we’re flipping that for this episode - one candidate (you), multiple interviewers (them), and, of...
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Episode 53: Standing Out in the Crowd: Mastering Group Interviews
Leaving The Nest
This episode is one that I know a lot of you have asked about because, let’s be honest, group interviews are intimidating. They’re uncomfortable, they’re high-pressure, and half the time you walk in wondering if you’re supposed to treat the other candidates like competition or potential coworkers. If you’ve never been a part of a group interview, you are not alone. I actually haven’t either (at least not as a candidate), but I have sat in on the other side, and let me tell you, there are things I’ve seen that still haunt me. That's why I am spending time in this episode to break...
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Episode 52: How to Lose a Job in 10 Days
Leaving The Nest
Thanks for tuning back in to Leaving the Nest, dear listeners! Join me for this episode as I discuss a topic that might sound a bit tongue-in-cheek at first: how to lose a job in 10 days (inspired, of course, by the 2003 rom-com How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days)! Of course, I am not actually setting you up for failure; instead, we will focus on what NOT to do when starting a new job so that you can avoid making costly mistakes right out of the gate. It's so important to make a positive impression, and I am using this episode to share some practical tips on how to do just that! From being punctual...
info_outlineToday, I am joined by Robert Harris, a local Talent Acquisition Specialist at Euclid Systems Corporation.
Robert shares his wealth of experience and insights into the world of career development and finding purpose in one's work.
Listen in as he shares his education and career journey and how his love for basketball has played into his leadership roles in college and his career. He discusses how to stand out in the job market, nurture your passions, and keep dreaming big while building a game plan for success.
Plus, he shares his most important advice for anyone graduating college and Leaving the Nest on the power of pursuing what you love to find fulfillment in your professional life and unlock your true potential to achieve greatness in any field.
Thanks again for listening to "Leaving The Nest." I hope you enjoy my conversation with Robert!
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
[00:32] - Kathleen introduces us to her guest, Robert Harris, a local Talent Acquisition Specialist, and the episode will focus on the importance of doing what you love and being passionate about work.
[01:42] - Robert introduces himself and shares his background, including his basketball prowess.
[02:08] - The call Robert received that took him back to Shenandoah University, the role he played there, and how he got his start in recruiting.
[03:58] - The significant role basketball played in Rober's career path.
[04:30] - Robert’s big advice to anybody headed to college.
[05:55] - Robert emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and finding excitement in your daily life.
[06:10] - The need for personalized guidance and conversations about a student's interests and passions.
[06:49] - Robert encourages pursuing unique talents and incorporating them into academic pursuits, sharing his experience as a basketball coach.
[07:26] - Robert highlights his involvement in sports marketing and promotions, implementing Division One-level strategies at the Division Three level.
[08:41] - Robert discusses his roles as an Athletic Director, Director of Basketball Operations, and Job Coach and how those roles serve his passion for coaching and developing people.
[10:04] - Robert discusses his career transitions and his desire to expand his horizons by always being open to the next challenge.
[12:01] - The question of balancing academics, athletics, and counseling and the importance of doing what you love and finding joy in the activities.
[13:51] - Robert describes how understanding goals and problem-solving were simplified by his mathematical background, which he carried into his career.
[14:40] - Overcoming the daunting aspects of balancing academics and parental expectations, how Robert persevered and achieved his goals.
[14:55] - Kathleen acknowledges the pattern in Robert's career— each job had its own niche but shared similarities.
[16:39] - Robert highlights the need to understand and adapt to each individual's diverse characteristics and skill sets to motivate and guide them effectively, drawing parallels to coaching basketball.
[17:17] - Where true leaders find success.
[17:57] - Why working with people is the best (and worst).
[18:56] - How you can be a part of doing something you love, even if you lack the necessary skills.
[20:04] - Every job has something you don't like, but knowing your why helps.
[21:54] - Robert discusses his son's passion for basketball and explores alternative career paths within the sports industry that would allow him to stay involved in what he loves.
[22:54] - Success is achieved by planning and taking steps towards your goals.
[23:43] - Robert admits he's not a big risk taker; having a game plan is crucial.
[24:06] - Robert shares the importance of dreaming with people who believe in you in moving forward with determination towards your dreams.
[24:29] - Robert stresses the significance of putting your plans down on paper for purpose and direction.
[24:49] - Kathleen shares the importance of having the right kind of energy around you.
[25:49] - Robert uses LeBron James as an example to explore the meaning of "working hard" and emphasizes the importance of dedication and mastering tasks.
[28:20] - More than merely graduating from education is needed; one must strive to improve and enhance their skills.
[28:58 - How to make your learning curve to success shorter.
[29:52] - Robert shares the advice he would offer if he were standing in front of the students graduating from Shenandoah who are about to leave the nest and start their careers.
[31:06] - Robert loves to help people and support their dreams; if you would like to get in touch with Robert, you can find him on LinkedIn.
[31:49] - 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, feel free to give Kathleen a call at 703-579-6677.
Resources:
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