One question we often hear from job-seekers is whether it's worth applying to a job that you're not sure you're qualified for - for example, if you only meet some of the list of requirements on the job post, but not all of them. Katie makes the case for giving it a shot, and compensating for any missing credentials by being prepared to set yourself apart in the interview. Her fluency in Spanish is an example of a job skill that she could use to her advantage in an otherwise unfamiliar opportunity. As if her work isn't inspiring enough already, her story is equally moving.
What attracted you to a good food job?
I started my career at a public relations agency that specialized in promoting start-up tech companies. I spent two years talking to reporters about how company X's new software was going to change the world. That burned me out. New tech products make businesses run better, but they are probably not going to help the people who need it most. That's when I decided it was time to combine my two college majors: public relations and Spanish and join Fair Trade USA. This was an opportunity to promote an organization that I felt really good about. Fair Trade USA uses the power of business to improve the lives of people in developing countries by making sure they get a fair price for their harvest.
How did you get your current good food job?
A good friend of mine is a very active Fair Trade supporter - the kind who always asks for it at coffee shops. When she saw the job posting on Fair Trade USA's website, she suggested that I apply. Actually, she INSISTED that I apply, and she nagged me every day until I did. I didn't think that I was qualified for the job, because my experience was in tech and I didn't know much about Fair Trade, but I am so glad that I gave it a shot!
How did your previous work or life experience prepare you for a good food job?
I never thought I would find a job where I could be able to combine both of my college majors, Public Relations and Spanish, but this one does! From the interview (part of which was in Spanish) to visiting with Fair Trade farmers in Latin America, I get to speak Spanish all the time!
What has prepared me most for the job, however, has been my interest and global perspective on the food system. I was pretty good at promoting software, but I am MUCH better at promoting Fair Trade because it is something I really believe in. My passion shows through in my work, and other people take notice.
And believe it or not, those countless hours I spent on Facebook during college also prepared me for this job. Being social media savvy is important for anyone in business today, especially for those of us in communications roles. When used correctly, social media is the most powerful and efficient way to reach your target audience.
What advice do you have for others in search of a good food job?
An interview isn't just an interview anymore. Good food jobs are extremely competitive, so it is important to find a way to distinguish yourself from other qualified candidates. I'd recommend researching and asking about the company's current projects and then actually do some work on a project that seems valuable. When I got my job, I researched all of the media coverage about Fair Trade and put it into graphs to show how my skills could be a value-add to the public relations department.
And network! You never know when a good food job might open up! If there aren't any open positions at the organization that you're interested in, offer to intern or volunteer your time. Use that as an opportunity to shine.
If you could be compensated for your work with something other than money, what would it be?
Travel! Meeting the people that Fair Trade benefits in countries like Rwanda and Costa Rica is what keeps me going. Their hugs, their tears and their inspirational stories of empowerment through Fair Trade motivate me to continue to support their cause by spreading the word about Fair Trade.