Johnny Ruzzo
Reynold Levy ’73LAW has led many impactful nonprofit organizations. Robin Hood Foundation, Lincoln Centerand the International Rescue CommitteeIn his new book, Get started nowHe offers advice on building a career that is both professionally and personally fulfilling.
It seems like matching people with meaningful work is something of a mission for you.
This is more of a calling than a mission. Literally, as someone who has been actively involved in several charities, Call Here’s some advice: What I’ve learned over the years is that people want to live a meaningful life, and that includes finding work that is meaningful, soul-fulfilling, productive, and profitable. Get started now My aim was to document the lessons I learned and offer a thoughtful guide to finding not just a job, but a job that fits you like a bespoke suit.
What is the best way to find meaningful employment?
The key is to take control of your career development. If you want to find a better job, change careers, or get promoted, you need to be well prepared before making that transition. This book Get started now Because the worst time to look for meaningful work is when you need it.
So, do you need to build a network?
Yes, and building a real network of relationships takes time. You need to communicate frequently with current and former colleagues, classmates, friends and acquaintances. In pursuit of your dream job, busyness will destroy your strategy and connecting with people on social media is not enough. My advice is to look at your calendar every month and ask yourself: “Who am I talking to this month? Who am I meeting with? What am I reading?” With the answers to these three questions, we will predict whether your career journey will be fruitful or not.
Job satisfaction is currently quite low. Why is that?
Talent management — attracting, hiring, and motivating people through recognition and professional development — is an art. It’s also hard work, and unfortunately, many people aren’t very good at it. Another factor is that working- and middle-class wages haven’t risen significantly in the past few decades. People who work hard but don’t reap the financial rewards can feel like they’re running on a treadmill.
However, many of the people who come to you for advice are in high-paying jobs.
Yes, they may be in a job that positions them to be successful, but they don’t have the social clout. For example, a lawyer may have wanted to become a senior partner, but now, 15 years later, they may have achieved that goal and are looking around thinking, “This shouldn’t be all there is.” People often realize that something is missing from their life and begin to feel burnt out, bored, and stressed.
Does that mean they need a new job?
Maybe. But for many, that feeling of emptiness and adriftness has only a small connection to their career. I often advise people who feel stuck in their jobs to look beyond work. How can you restructure your life to allow more room for personal growth, social connection, and participation? How can you contribute to your community?
Those who are not satisfied with their work may find greater fulfillment through involvement in church, volunteer work, mentoring, or other community service.
Any specific advice for alumni?
While the alumni network is important, I would like Columbians to reach out to more diverse groups outside of it. In addition to satisfying your intellectual and social curiosity, you should test yourself through volunteering or consulting. It’s not enough to find your specialty; you have to find something that gives you satisfaction. It’s easy to get into a rut in your work, and I encourage exploration of all kinds. But I’m also a realist. There’s a limit to the number of people you can meet, the organizations you can meet, and the networks you can foster. That’s why I also suggest reading with a purpose. Reading gives you a deeper understanding of the world and your place in it. Exposing yourself to people, ideas, and organizations in books and periodicals helps you pursue a knowledgeable and enriched life. Luckily, I have no qualms about encouraging alumni to read. Columbians are intellectually receptive to punishment.
