Rob Thrall

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

My first big break came about 6 months after I finished my Master's degree. I was looking for employment in my field when a classmate from the Master's program mentioned a job opening with the with the company she was working for and on the same team. I applied for the position, went through the interview process and was offered the position. Note: It really helps to build good relationships in school and try to maintain those relationships. How did this first "real job" after college go? Great! But not without a whole lot of learning (yes, you're still learning after you graduate) and some bumps along the way. There's a lot you won't know when getting a first job. The scary part for me is my career is in Learning & Development and this position required speaking in front of people. That was one of my biggest fears. I found that after doing this several times I overcame my fear and really enjoy it now. Note: If you're afraid to do something, just try it and see how it goes.

How did you start building your network?

Starting to build your network begins in school, church, hanging out with friends or any place you meet on a regular basis with others. Those relationships and friendships are people you can help in work and life, and can help you as well. Once in the workplace I built a network by being involved in activities outside of my basic job responsibilities. For me that was, and is, workplace sponsored volunteer activities. I try to be involved in as many volunteer activities as I can, like what I'm doing here, food drives, charity fundraisers, etc. You'll meet people by participating in these activities that you would never meet by just doing your typical job responsibilities. Note: Pick something you like to do. For me the goal wasn't networking. I really enjoy volunteering to help others. A side benefit was the networking, which is just getting to know other people.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

What I am doing as a career I never in a million years would have envisioned doing. My career is in Learning & Development. Here's my story: After high school I wanted to go into Architecture for a career. I was not accepted into an Architecture program at a University, but I went to a school with that program in the hopes of getting in the 2nd year of college. That didn't happen. I switched Universities to go with my back up career plan - Civil Engineering. In the second year of that program I discovered the math and physics were way too difficult for me. Again I switched universities and decided to go into Radiology (x-rays). The Anatomy & Physiology classes were way too hard for me. However, I had taken some Psychology classes and some Sociology and really liked those. I ended up with a degree in Psychology and minor in Sociology. My work experiences while going to college and my study of Psych and Sociology is what set me on my career path and obtaining a Master's degree in Industrial / Organizational Psychology. That is basically the study of human interaction in the workplace. I wanted to help people in the workplace. Bottom line: How I picked a career was a winding road and I did not know all along.