Summary
Jakeem Jacksonville shares career advice from his HR background, focusing on a 2015 termination experience that taught him to build his personal brand, network strategically, and never settle in his career journey.
Speaker Background
- MBA graduate from Southern University Jesse H. Jones School of Business
- Former Graduate Student Association officer and 2020 HBCU Top 30 Under 30 member
- Founder and President of For Sure Resumes and Consulting
- HR experience across technology, sports, entertainment, education, aviation, and non-profit sectors
- Currently HR Generalist at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas
The 2015 Turning Point
- Worked as HR Administrator at Houston private school while pursuing graduate degree at TSU
- Goal was bridging human resources with healthcare at a top hospital
- Classmate referred him to hospital HR opening; completed 4-5 interviews successfully
- Signed offer letter, resigned from current role, started orientation
- Was terminated on first day (discrimination-related reason, not detailed)
- Consulted mentors including Dr. Yancey and strategized next steps for one week
Career Rebound Strategy
- Executed complete personal rebrand following termination
- Enhanced LinkedIn profile and developed new resume with cover letter
- Built professional presence to stay prepared for opportunities
- Learned not to depend on or be overly loyal to any single organization
- Views the experience as valuable lesson that led to better opportunities
Key Career Principles
| Principle | Action | Rationale |
|---|
| Personal Brand | Develop strong professional identity and online presence | Positions you for unexpected opportunities |
| Networking | Join professional organizations, connect with industry leaders | 90% of opportunities come from who you know |
| Targeted Goals | Write list of passions, connect with people in desired roles | Avoid wasting time settling for wrong positions |
| Preparation | Update resume/cover letter, sharpen skills continuously | Compete effectively against global talent pool |
| Differentiation | Show accomplishments and organizational impact, not just duties | Companies seek candidates who demonstrate growth contribution |
| LinkedIn Mastery | Invest heavily in platform for professional connections | Number one source for showcasing professional brand |
Professional Development Recommendations
- Follow target companies on social media to understand their values and activities
- Seek volunteer opportunities aligned with career interests
- Connect directly with employees at organizations you want to join
- Align your skill set with specific company needs in applications
- Focus on quantifiable accomplishments rather than daily task lists
- Demonstrate how past work helped organizations grow
Closing Advice
- Never settle; always elevate your career trajectory
- Go after exactly what you want without fear
- Make moves that serve your best interests
- Stay prepared to transition even when currently employed
- Remember that loyalty to yourself outweighs organizational loyalty