I’ve had over 80 coffee chats… here’s what I learned.

I know… over 80 coffee chats and only 5 actual cups of coffee were consumed through any of those.

The chats may have lacked caffeine, but they were not short of amazing conversations, advice, insight, and connections.

Since January of this year (2023), over 80 business professionals from a variety of different sectors ranging from recruiting to PR, all the way to television have generously given their time to speak with me about their career journeys. Hearing the stories of so many successful people was not only inspiring but motivating as well. I learned more in the past 8 months about careers, opportunities, and myself than I have in the previous 22 years of my life. Here were some of my biggest takeaways:

1. No path is linear.

Only a handful of the many individuals I spoke with had a direct path from their post-secondary education to their professional career. More than 3 quarters of everyone else had one or several career trial and error periods mixed with pursing further education, travel, and starting families. They all emphasized the importance in trying out different career paths and life experiences before picking one. The wide variety of skills that are developed throughout doing so will allow you to widen your potential opportunities, and also leverage yourself with what you bring to the table in your next endeavor.

Above all, learning about the many changes, twists and turns that career journeys take has taught me the importance of focusing on the present. Getting too caught up in what the future will bring, and asking questions fuelled by overthinking are not worth our present energy as thing can and will always change. It is great to have a plan but understanding that part of that plan requires things not going according to the plan is a very important takeaway.

2. TALK TO PEOPLE!!!

This may seem self-explanatory considering the title of this article, but you would be surprised at how a conversation can go a long way. It may be hard to believe, but talking to people and holding a conversation is not as common as you’d think. My generation does an exceptional job of staying behind our screens. We often connect over email, apply to jobs over social media, and even hangout over text. Having an in- person meeting or a video call that allows you to express yourself through conversation and body language generates in depth conversations and leaves lasting impacts.

By putting yourself out there through speaking face to face with others allows real human connection. Connecting creates a space for knowledge sharing, finding similarities, and even opens the doors for opportunities. The reciprocal benefit that having conversations brings both parties is the opportunity to learn from one another, no matter what stage in careers you are at.

3. Agency life seems busy (but also really fun)

Period.

4. Learning never stops

We all remember the one kid in elementary school that would pick on you for asking too many questions, right? Well, jokes on them! Asking questions and the eagerness to learn is what gets you far. This is a major lesson I have learned throughout coffee chats. Consistently putting yourself in new and challenging situations, finding yourself in spaces where you can ask questions, and failing- but getting back up to find out why and trying again- are all essential parts of growing in your career.

The professionals I spoke with shared stories of continued education, switching roles, and participating in extra certifications outside of their workplace. Not only does this eagerness to learn help excel them in their career, but it shows a perfect example that you do not have to pick one thing and stick with it your whole entire life. You have the option to learn more, try more, and experience more if you so choose. Learning is meant to broaden your horizons and help you grow into the highest version of the person you are meant to be. Coffee chats themselves are a way of learning, what a great place to start.

5. You are not guaranteed a job from a coffee chat!

Coffee chats are amazing resources to learn about the career paths and day-to-day lives of business professionals. Using these conversations as an educational tool to better understand certain sectors of job industries, as well as leveling up your conversational skills are the most effective ways to go about them. However, a lot of people go into chats with the sole intention of asking what job opportunities are available at the individuals company.

This is a big NO NO. Often there will be an opportunity at the end of the chat to ask about possible openings or skills that might be of asset to the company if the conversation has gone well, but it is important to make note that coffee chats are not used as a way of asking for a job. With this being said, having a conversation about someone’s career and how they got the position they hold shows interest in the company or the career. This can help if there ever is an opening, and the individual remembers your keen interest. From there they may send you the posting, or be a good reference for once you apply, but avoid asking directly for a job throughout your chat.

6. People are so cool.

The resiliency I have seen and heard about through the coffee chats I’ve had are truly inspirational. Many of the individuals I have spoken to shared stories of hardship and failure to which they responded with strength as they never took no for an answer. Many people worked jobs they didn’t want to until they got where they had their sights set on. Others went back to school to further their education so they could demonstrate their commitment to their personal and career growth.

After speaking with just under 100 people (and still counting), I have learned that everyone took the cards they were dealt and actually played them. No one sat and complained if they didn’t get a good hand. The professionals all shared the strategies and pivots they took to end up where they are, and none involved “oh… I was just lucky I guess”. It taught me the power that comes from resiliency and hard work- it really does pay off. People are so damn cool.

7. ALWAYS say ‘Thank you’

You will be chatting with many very busy professionals who are taking time out of their schedules to educate, inspire, and motivate you. Most of these individuals remember having the same networking experiences as they were beginning to navigate their career and feel as though giving their time to the next generation is continuing the kindness and support, they once received.

This is such a magical thing about the people I’ve had the privilege of speaking with- they want others to succeed. Understanding the kindness and beauty of one taking the time to help you grow (without even knowing you), puts into perspective the genuine nature of those who reply and speak with you. Thanking the professional who speaks with you at the end of your call, in addition to a follow up message is a small way of showing how their time was very much appreciated. It is important to take note of as one day you can return the favour as well through educating and inspiring others through your career journey.

Conversations are the world’s best classroom- go out and learn!

Thank you to all of the professionals who have taken the time to speak with me and follow along in my career journey. You have taught me so much about careers, life, and myself that are priceless.

For those beginning their networking journeys- if you have any questions about how to format a coffee chat and coffee chat etiquette, feel free to send me a message!