Candidate Spotlight is our interview series for job seekers who are pursuing careers in social and environmental impact. We reached out to Jaclyn Jezik, one of our One Work members, to find out what it's like to pursue a meaningful career.
What is your mission and why is it important to you?
My mission is to take my creativity and hunger for learning to be part of a team that is identifying root causes of our interconnected problems and finding solutions with systemic interventions that are equitable for people, animals, and the environment.
We are all stakeholders in the health of the planet. And we all have spheres of influence. Both personally and professionally, it is important for me to lead by example. To take my diversified skillsets and use them for positive impact. Through conscious leadership, I want be an influencer in the best way possible.
What makes a career meaningful to you?
The world needs more passionate people lighting the way and at rapid speed. For me, a meaningful career means leaving your mark in any way you can. In business, we can reimagine, redesign, and positively disrupt systems. In society, through community building, education, and advocacy we can cultivate change for the greater good. Everything we do is interconnected so all of it matters.
A simple idea may be the jumping point to another bolder one. I want to work alongside those with like minded drive. There are no simple solutions to complex problems. There are many parts to the systems we have created so the roles of change agents come in all shapes and sizes. At the end of the day, I simply want to know I am a part of progress.
What are you looking for in your next role?
I have an incredibly diverse background both professionally and in civic leadership which brings with it an entire tool box of skills and experience. My knowledge base stretches the gamut from being raised on a farm to traveling the world as a footwear designer. From building and running a small business as a visual storyteller to years of volunteering in organized sustainability efforts. I am a quick learner with a curious mindset so nothing is off of the table as I pivot careers toward the socially good sector.
Whether it be human-centered design, strategic thinking, or social innovation I want to use my ingenuity in a powerful way. Along with being a champion for the planet and people, I am an advocate of the arts and education. Much of my civic work is spent collaborating with educators, students, and families in the public school system; living the “together we can accomplish great things” philosophy.
My entire life I have had external-facing roles which I am comfortable with - stakeholder engagement, networking, client relations. I enjoy owning projects be it part of a team effort or independently. I also love engaging with humans of all ages and diverse groups. Needless to say, I am open to opportunities. I believe every day there are important and interesting jobs being created that didn’t exist the day before.
Want to hire Jaclyn? Log into your One Work account, then visit Jaclyn's profile to reach out!
How can employers improve the candidate experience?
We are in a period in time where many are seeking more meaningful careers and willing to put themselves out there. As an employer, I would be open to taking chances in the interview process by pooling a varied group of candidates. Try to refrain from a cognitive bias of placing individuals in a box based solely on past positions and education.
For example, a person who is innately imaginative could work just as successfully within a team of developers, policymakers, consultants, etc. as they could in a marketing department. Individuals who have synergy with an organization’s culture and are dedicated to growth but whom may have limited experience, could bring greater energy and productivity than a candidate who initially checks all of the boxes on paper.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Being in the business of social impact work can be intense so I bring a great sense of humor to the table. I’m also a big fan of breakfast burritos, Smartless podcasts, and psychological thrillers.
