By Dee Dee Wilson, HR Director of People and Community, StreetWise Partners 

In 2022, I worked as a tech recruiter and loved the job. The best part was calling candidates to extend offers they had been hoping for. I shared in their excitement because I knew firsthand how tough it was to be unemployed in a competitive market. 

Then, the layoffs started. Tech recruiters started losing their jobs, due to cost cutting. Hiring slowed and many of us grew anxious, including me. The entire talent acquisition field took a hit. Despite reassurances, I was directly affected too. The timing was awful, I was also seven months pregnant, and the uncertainty was overwhelming.   

However, instead of dwelling on what I could not control, I focused on what I could; I decided to finish my degree because I knew it was a door to a better career. I doubled my course load to graduate early, pushing through exhaustion to try and overcome some of the barriers I faced in the competitive market. I was driven and determined. Still, doubt crept in, and I worried a lot about what potential employers would think. 

That is when I met my mentor, Jakis, through a social career group. Jakis was a seasoned recruiter who spent his free time helping others land their dream roles. He deeply understood the challenges we face in the African American community when we look to our friends and family for career advice. He knew how to support my dream career and educational ambitions. He connected me to a group with a large network of like-minded individuals. We shared tools and tips to help each other improve our interview and public speaking skills. We cheered each other on before and after interviews, for job offers, reaching milestones, and personal growth throughout the process. I learned about the similar struggles everyone else was experiencing and it helped to know that I wasn’t the only one confused by the endless rejection emails. His empathy and support of my vision for growth was so important in our mentor-mentee connection. 

Jakis practiced interviewing me, helping me rebuild my confidence, reframe my mindset to believe in my power to move up the career ladder, and recognize my strengths. He reminded me of the importance of displaying my professional skills, education, and certifications on LinkedIn. As I refined my resume, I began to believe in the value that I bring to an organization. I applied for roles outside my comfort zone because I realized that experience isn’t solely based on a title, it’s about the positive impact I can make. My mentor’s guidance led me to view myself as a stronger candidate, even compared to those who had higher education or work experience than I did.   

With our teamwork, the tide shifted and offers started soaring in. I landed an amazing role as the HR Director at StreetWise doing what I love to do; giving back to my community. The moments when my journey felt heavy, lengthy, and impossible helped me to grow and appreciate my own perseverance.

What once felt impossible became achievable fueled by my drive to succeed. Having a great mentor helped me to get back on track, but most importantly, I gained the confidence to bet on myself again.  

Mentors, this is your time to help impact someone’s life! Sign up to be a StreetWise mentor today!