By Susan O’Hare, Delta Upsilon-Tennessee Tech

With 42 years in healthcare (as a nurse practitioner, a hospital executive and now a partner at a national executive search firm), I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of people find fulfilling work. I’ve also watched talented women talk themselves out of opportunities, stay in unsuitable jobs and overlook the value of their network.  

If you’re a Kappa Delta standing at a career crossroads, whether you’re a collegiate member wondering what comes next or an alumna ready for something new, here’s what you should know before starting your career search.  

Start with what energizes you 

Before you update your resume or scroll a job board, ask yourself one honest question:  

What truly energizes me? 

Don’t focus on what you’re good at or what pays well. Think about what makes you lose track of time? What kind of work leaves you feeling more alive at the end of the day than when you started? 

Your answers to these questions should serve as your compass. Careers aligned with your answers tend to be sustainable, rewarding and (perhaps surprisingly) more successful. When you’re genuinely energized by what you do, it shows up in interviews, in your work, and in how others perceive you as a colleague and leader. 

Give yourself permission to start with a job, not a career 

Many people don’t launch directly into their profession; instead, they begin with various jobs. These early experiences teach you what you want and, just as importantly, what you don’t want in your career. Think of them as tuition. 

A word of caution regarding a pattern of very short stays, more than two or three in a row: recruiters notice. After a couple of brief stints, you need to demonstrate commitment: aim to stay at a company for three to five years before you start looking again. Use that time to build something, earn a promotion and rack up real results and accomplishments. 

And speaking of accomplishments, start keeping what I call an “I love me” list right now. Every time you hit a milestone, solve a problem or get recognized for something, write it down. You will forget, and your future self will thank you. 

Network before you need to 

Let’s talk about networking. It isn’t something you do when you’re desperate for a job; it should be ongoing and authentic.  

Attend industry and professional events. Use LinkedIn meaningfully and actually engage there rather than collecting connections. Connect with people whose careers you admire, and ask if you can buy them a coffee and hear their story. Most people are extraordinarily generous with their time when someone approaches them with a sincere interest and a willingness to listen. 

And please, use your KD network intentionally. Your sisters span every industry, every stage of career and every corner of the country. That is an extraordinary resource. Don’t be shy about reaching out. We look out for each other. 

A word on social media 

Recruiters look at your profiles — every single one. Make sure what they find tells the story you want to tell, and that your profiles reflect the professional you aspire to be, not just who you are today. Dress for the job you want, in every sense of that phrase. 

It’s okay to change direction 

Whether you’re 22 or 52, starting in a new field takes courage, research and an openness to humble beginnings. Seek out industry leaders who spark curiosity, and ask for their perspective. Sit down. Listen. Let them get invested in you. 

I once interviewed a CEO who began his first healthcare job after striking up a genuine conversation with an industry leader in a hotel elevator while working as a bellman. His boldness to initiate the conversation and follow up changed the trajectory of his life. 

Finally, know that it’s okay to stop climbing if you’ve found the place that truly fits. Success isn’t always bigger. Sometimes it’s better. 

You have more to offer than you know. Trust yourself, invest in your relationships and don’t underestimate the importance of doing work you genuinely love. 

About the Author  

Susan O’Hare, Delta Upsilon-Tennessee Tech is a partner and healthcare practice leader at Buffkin/Baker, a nationally retained executive search firm. With over 42 years of experience in healthcare, including nearly a decade as CEO of Erlanger Children’s Hospital, she brings a rare combination of executive leadership and search expertise to her work connecting outstanding leaders with outstanding organizations. A proud Kappa Delta and former chapter president, Susan is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

LinkedIn | Buffkin / Baker