CampusDiva Says… The thoughts and ramblings of a professional recruiter and passionate athlete.

On February 16, 2011 I was given a once in a lifetime opportunity by Dennis Hall, Founder of Avere Group and Guy Kawasaki, Co-Founder of Alltop.com to attend a Leaders to Sea embark to the USS Makin Island (LHD 8). On that morning we were to fly from a Naval Base on Coronado Island to a real life operating ship, the USS Makin Island LHD 8.  When offered the opportunity to visit the ship there was no doubt I was going to see what this was all about. Upon learning I was going to embark the first item to care for was to tell my poor dad that #1, I was going and #2, he was not.  As I prepped for my visit, I packed my comfortable shoes, iPhone and flip video and I was set.  We arrived at the navy base and were met with a rare but gloomy San Diego morning.  We were not sure that we were going to be able to fly and my emotions were being tested.  After a quick briefing from CDR Jason Salata, Public Affairs Officer, we set off to fly from the base to the USS Makin Island about a 45 min flight on a SH-60 Seahawk Helicopter.  As we dawned our head-gear and saw the young Sailor walk out on the tarmac, I grew far more nervous than I imagined I’d be.  Then he said… this is the safest flight you could possibly take… and by the look in his eyes, I believed him. We arrived on board and were met by the Executive Officer of the Ship Captain Pringle.  We were then taken to lunch with the Commanding Officer Captain James Landers.  During lunch I really began to see what would be a theme throughout.  During lunch the CO and XO both told us with pride about their ship, their career and their Sailors.  They both went out of their way to tell us that the crew were eating the same fare as we were because it was hamburger Wednesday and it was darn good food too!  After eating and cutting the ceremonial cake in which I got to cut with a Marine saber (and I have to say… it was pretty cool), we set off on the tour of the ship. 

Not knowing what to expect, we started off.  It was there that we met Mr. Powers and Mr Ayers, our first two “tour guides” of the day.  Two gentleman who appeared very unassuming but went on and gave us a detailed tour of their work space.  They showed us all the cool parts of their space but what I saw without exception was the pride in their careers.  We also received a tour of the state of the art hospital on board from Dr. Grandos , that had equipment that many small town hospitals have.  We then went on to take a tour of the galley where they can feed up to 2800 men and women when the ship is underway.  The afternoon brought the real high-tech part of the ship tour.  We toured the bridge and command center and were taught how they were able to follow all of the radar on the ship and fire as needed to protect themselves.  As we were in the bridge the strangest sensation I have ever felt came over me.  An AV-8B Harrier jet took off from the deck of the ship with a rumble that was something you just have to feel… it is hard to describe.  With the sound engines we were now headed top side to see flight operations from the vulture deck.  I watched in amazement as the crew drilled and re-drilled and drilled again.  As flights came in to only get new orders and leave again.  If you listened very closely you could hear the symphony in the background playing and they moved about as if to music.  It was truly an extraordinary day!

After taking in all that the Navy showed me in, what became very clear was how different the men and women we met spoke about their “job” as many in Corporate America refer to it… in fact they never did talk about their ”jobs”.  Every single person, began their introduction with their name, where they were from and how long their career was with the Navy.  Some career’s longer than others for sure, but they all saw their time that way.  It made me think about how less and less as recruiters we see people entering the workforce looking for a career and more and more looking for a job.  It is here that I propose the Navy has it right.  Having a career does not limit you to one employer or pigeon hole you in a job forever but it DOES say something about your approach to your work.  As students move through this internship season I think it is really important that they begin to look toward their career’s vs finding the right job.  By definition career is about undertaking ones life’s work and the job hopping of recent times seems to have confused our next generation.  So students as you set out to intern this season, look to begin your path on your life’s work vs. take a job… I propose that that just might change your world a little bit, like it did for the Sailors I met on the USS Makin Island. 

Enjoy the Ride!

On Deck of the USS Makin Island