An insider‘s perspective – career research

For years I’ve touted the virtues of career research interviews as a way to define
great fit career paths. These are conversations with people who have already
succeeded in areas that interested career seeker, allowing them to gain an insider‘s
perspective on what another’s work life is really like. They are, by far, the most
effective route I’ve come across to choosing a career niche.

So I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when my business advisor suggested that I
have some similar conversations with individuals who have succeeded as
entrepreneurs, as a way to shorten the learning curve towards achieving my own
growth goals.

I had my first of these talks this past week, with Justin Nassiri, an entrepreneur
who effectively launched a software tool, gained significant market share, and then
sold the technology—all goals I’m aiming to accomplish myself. His success seemed a
little intimidating at first, but once we got talking, it turned into a fun
conversation between two people doing their best to make their visions a reality.

The discussion started with him telling me about his background: military, grad
school for an MBA, and then diving right into business building. After learning a
bit about my history, he was then able to share insights as they related to my aims.

The challenges we go through in life can be intensely individual, with what feels
like a little understanding or compassion from others. Yet when we talk to people
who have traveled a similar path, the connection can be immediate and affirming.
Talking with Nassiri was like drinking from a cool spring after a long, hot hike.

One of the most valuable comments he shared was, “Congratulations on how far you’ve
come.” Working largely on my own, with no prior experience in similar endeavors,
it’s been difficult to gauge my progress. But Nassiri could offer a perspective that
I hadn’t yet been able to see on my own.

I plan on doing more of these conversations. Just that short exchange gave me
specifics on how to proceed and confirmation that I’m heading in the right
direction.