Luther Jackson
NOVAworks
Santa Clara, CA USA
"There’s great value in going into the first day at a new job and being scared. That’s where the learning really happens."
Career Roadmap
Luther's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Business, and Helping People
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I used to get nervous when I'd go to a networking event. I'm an introvert and networking doesn't come naturally to me. However, I've realized that you need to be strategic with it. Just because you're an introvert doesn't mean you get a pass to not talk to people. At one event, I didn't really succeed at networking with anyone. When I went back the next time, I came in with a focused strategy and it worked out for me.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
History
University of Pennsylvania
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in history and then started my career as a newspaper reporter.
2.
While working as a reporter, I also volunteered for our union, the Newspaper Guild of Detroit.
3.
When I eventually left journalism, I decided to work full-time for the Newspaper Guild of Detroit as an assistant administrative officer.
4.
I did that for five years and then moved to California to work as an executive officer for the San Jose Newspaper Guild.
5.
A friend of mine from the labor movement encouraged me to join the NOVAworks board—this gave me a good understanding of workforce issues while I continued to work for the union.
6.
When I left my union job, I met with the NOVAworks director to discuss some of my ideas—she didn’t have the staff at the time to bring those ideas to fruition but she did offer me a job.
7.
I’ve been working as a program manager for NOVAworks since then!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I'm an introvert, so I'm just not good at talking to and networking with people.
How I responded:
I used to get nervous when I'd go to a networking event. I'm an introvert and networking doesn't come naturally to me. However, I've realized that you need to be strategic with it. Just because you're an introvert doesn't mean you get a pass to not talk to people. At one event, I didn't really succeed at networking with anyone. When I went back the next time, I came in with a focused strategy and it worked out for me.