I realized I was more convincing to myself and to the people who were listening when I actually said what I thought, versus what I thought people wanted to hear me say.
Ursula BurnsRead
Fresh out of college, you tend to join a company because it's a job. But, you tend to stay because it becomes a career; you start to feel at home. In the beginning of your career, you're focused on you: 'I like this place because I'm doing rewarding work; they take good care of me; the people are nice; there's runway for me,' etc.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Initially, you work for a job, but as you grow, it becomes a fulfilling career that feels like home.
Ursula Burns highlights the evolution of a professional journey, transitioning from simply seeking employment to developing a meaningful career. At first, individuals may join a company for the basic benefits it offers, but over time, their connection deepens as they find personal satisfaction in their work environment and relationships, leading to a sense of belonging and purpose.
Themes
CareerWorkFulfillmentBelongingProfessional Growth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a speech during a graduation ceremony to encourage new graduates to seek meaningful careers.
More from Ursula Burns
All quotes →My mother was amazing. I guess, in our community, if you wanted to get by you had to work hard. So she cleaned offices. She did everything that you could imagine. We were really poor. But she would say, 'Where you are is not who you are.'
Ursula BurnsRead
My perspective comes in part from being a New York black lady, in part from being an engineer. I know I'm smart and have opinions worth being heard.
Ursula BurnsRead
I'm a black lady from the Lower East Side of New York. Not a lot intimidates me.
Ursula BurnsRead
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After the age of 30 in the movie profession, you're pretty well over as far as the casting people are concerned.
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My only advice is to try to get the job that's most like the job you want, rather than the one that's more prestigious. Always try to be the talent.
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