Episode 37: Navigating Career Growth with Honesty and Grit with Kevin Nunes
Release Date: 08/17/2023
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 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:
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