Sometimes you spend all the time in the world planning and preparing for your future, just to have the universe jump in with a completely different vision for you. Though frustrating, this can sometimes lead to pleasant surprises.
In this case, it led to an unexpected and fulfilling career.
Jennifer Girard aspired to work in the dental industry, but the 2008 recession changed everything and she wound up working in manufacturing, as an Assistant Material Planner — something she would never have envisioned as a dental school student.
What surprised her more, however, was how much she enjoyed it!
“I grew to absolutely love working in manufacturing. It’s like being on an episode of How It’s Made. I may not be physically making things, but I’m part of the team.”
As her manufacturing career grew, she found herself responsible for hiring — which is how she first became acquainted with TERRA. She regularly partnered with Lisa Bowman, who was a Recruiter with TERRA’s Everett branch at the time.
Then COVID-19 hit. Like so many people, Jennifer was laid-off from her long-term profession.
What she couldn’t have predicted was that her job search would lead her to a position that Lisa, of all people, was recruiting for.
“I already had a relationship with Lisa and remembered how helpful she had been. It felt very ‘in the stars.’”
Jennifer wasn’t the only one surprised.
Lisa shared, “When I saw Jennifer had applied to my job, I was like, Wait – what?! I didn’t even know she was looking for work. So I called her and told her that I would love to support her in this capacity. I also knew she would be fantastic in this Business Administrative Assistant role. It was an easy sell.”
And it was. In just two weeks, Jennifer started her new job.
This role turned out to be an even better fit for her than her previous role, for a couple of reasons.
It was all a blessing in disguise. I love my job and this position is more in line with what I want to do. But the biggest perk? Not having a long commute. It frees up more time for me to spend with my family and gives me time to focus on myself.
For anyone currently on the job hunt, Jennifer recommends embracing the unexpected.
If you put in the work and the time, you can get to where you want to be. Either despite the hiccups — or because of the hiccups.
Congratulations, Jennifer! We’re so lucky to have been able to partner with you as both a client and a job seeker. Cheers to you and your success!
Team Up With TERRA
Looking for a fulfilling career that makes you happy? Partner with TERRA.
We work with great local companies across a variety of industries in the Seattle-Puget Sound, Portland, Phoenix, Denver and Texas-Metro areas. We can help connect you to great jobs and help you start a successful career that you’ll love!
Our recruiters are eager to help you find your next position. Contact us to learn what employment opportunities might be available to you.