An Accidental Career Turn of Events

My first full-time job out of college was with a global modeling/talent agency and it wasn't until recently that I realized the impact of that role on my life. 

Flashback to the recession of the early 1990s and I was struggling to find an entry level role in a university to work in college admissions and financial aid.

I responded to a blind want ad describing a role for an "admissions director," and so I applied. 

Got a call almost immediately and went in to meet the boss even though it was for an agency, thinking, "What the heck? Maybe I could learn some skills in recruitment."

And so I went into the interview and it turned out I loved my boss. 

Ultimately, she taught me a lot about sales funnels, client/student decision-making processes, effective alignment + speaking about a brand, and understanding the needs of someone about to make a major life change. I interviewed 2,000 people in that seven-month period.

I helped the firm identify and recruit models for MTV music videos, print, and runway shows. One of our successes starred on Renegade, another model was a staple in Jon Secada videos, and a third was in the show Highlander. I had a blast. 

The sidebar career entry move led to a role with a university and the skills I developed were transferrable.