This summer, CCE’s Employer & Alumni Relations Team traveled coast to coast, visiting major cities to discover career opportunities for students. First on the list was Atlanta, where we met with organizations to explore growing opportunities in the creative arts, technology, and consumer packaged goods industries. Check out CCE On the Road in Atlanta: How to Break into Growing Industries to learn more.
Next, Jazmin Lesane (Associate Director, Employer & Alumni Relations) traveled to Seattle, Washington, a hub of innovation, technology, and social impact!
She met with representatives from several organizations across industries including:
Each meeting provided valuable insights into the unique opportunities available in Seattle, particularly for those interested in technology, gaming, finance, and public service.
Early Career Recruitment: Tips for Breaking into Your Industry
Mackenzie Hertogs, Talent Acquisition Outreach Program Manager at Alaska Airlines, offered her perspective on breaking into the airline industry. She encouraged students to keep an open mind and avoid the limitation of a single career path, as many companies provide opportunities you may not have initially considered. For instance, Alaska Airlines offers not only frontline roles like pilots, flight attendants, and customer service agents but also a wide range of positions in business functions such as marketing, finance, accounting, and engineering. Mackenzie’s own journey at Alaska Airlines is a great example of the variety of functional roles within the industry; over the past 10 years, she has transitioned from working at the airport to leading the internship program within corporate recruiting.
As you navigate these career decisions and transitions, networking can play a crucial role in shaping your path. Lidia Hernandez, Senior Recruiter at Nintendo of America, shared insights on how students can effectively use networking to their advantage. Leveraging alumni networks and outreach platforms like LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities. Start by setting up coffee chats to learn about professionals’ career journeys. Tapping into your alma mater’s alumni community can connect you with industry insiders who share a similar background and excitement about the industry (like gaming at Nintendo). Building genuine relationships through these connections is essential, as they can lead to long-lasting professional ties.
Transferable Skills and Interests: How to Stand Out as a Candidate
Standing out as a candidate starts with how you present your strengths and skills and how well they align with a company’s needs. At Remitly, a leader in digital financial services specializing in equitable money transfers for international communities, it’s crucial to demonstrate the necessary skills combined with a deep understanding of the clients they serve. Larry Benesh, Talent Acquisition Manager, emphasized the importance of showcasing how you can add value to the business, particularly in high-growth environments like startups, where you can quickly gain experience and make a tangible impact. He highlighted the need for strong collaborative skills, effective communication, and adaptability to thrive in these rapidly changing settings. It’s also crucial to demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its work and showcase the unique qualities that define who you are.
Similarly, Katy Wirissa, who works in Student Programs for Amazon’s Undergraduate Non-Technical Roles, emphasized the importance of bringing a “bar-raising” resume to the table. At an organization that receives thousands of applications each cycle, competition is fierce. Amazon looks for key skills in candidates, particularly those who have demonstrated ownership of a project, which showcases leadership and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, a strong understanding of data and trends and the ability to analyze metrics is crucial, as every role at Amazon is informed by data and relies on data in day-to-day work. To effectively highlight these skills on your resume, integrate them into the descriptions of your experiences rather than simply listing keywords at the bottom of the page. At Amazon, possessing relevant skills and demonstrating interest in the role and industry are far more important than your major or GPA.
Phillip Sit, Director of Small Business Navigation at Seattle’s Office of Economic Development (OED), emphasized the importance of building skills over time in the relevant sector. Silt looks out for applicants with multiple internship experiences in policy and public programs. The Seattle OED works closely with local entrepreneurs who drive the city’s economy, so they value candidates with a strong understanding of the economic ecosystem and the ability to translate government language into terms the local community can easily understand. Additionally, they advised gaining practical experience through volunteering; it can be a valuable way to get your foot in the door, and many organizations appreciate the extra help!
DEIB Efforts & What Seattle Employers Value
Across Jazmin’s conversations, each representative emphasized their company’s commitment to prioritizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) efforts and fostering an inclusive, strong company culture. Companies like Remitly and Amazon promoted the benefits of having various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which promote an inclusive environment and support both personal and professional growth. These groups often host educational and social events for employees across the company.
Alaska Airlines also discussed their efforts to create pathways for frontline employees (many of whom identify as BIPOC, women, or members of the military community) to transition into corporate roles. This commitment to DEIB is deeply rooted in the airline’s core values of being people-centric, customer-focused, and dedicated to safety, kindness, and integrity.
Lastly, Nintendo of America’s mission to bring joy is closely tied to their DEIB efforts. The company cultivates a supportive and celebratory workplace culture through strong community bonds, high employee retention, and programs like “Nintendo Cares.” This commitment is reflected in company-wide education opportunities, volunteer initiatives, and active participation in diversity-focused associations and conferences such as SHPE, NSBE, AfroTech, and Grace Hopper Celebration.
Final takeaways
Seattle’s blend of innovative industries and vibrant work culture makes it an ideal environment for launching a career. Employers emphasize the importance of networking, highlighting transferable skills, and tailoring application materials to stand out in this competitive market. As you explore career paths in Seattle, your unique experiences, combined with your passion for your industry of interest, will be key to success in the early career recruitment process.
Stay tuned for more updates in the CCE On The Road Series! Also, don’t forget to check LionSHARE for upcoming career fairs, info sessions, coffee chats, and other recruiting opportunities organized by the Center for Career Education. To stay informed about these events and other fall programming by following us on social media @columbiacce. We look forward to seeing you take advantage of these exciting opportunities and make the most of your Columbia experience!