Sydney burst through the front door like she was being chased. Breathlessly, she exlaimed, “Mommy! Guess what! I might get a job at IBM!” Not exactly something I expected my ten-year old daughter to be excited about or even contemplate. But she could barely tell me about it she was so pumped.
Her school, Kincaid Elementary, had entered into a partnership with Big Blue and fifth graders were being offered an opportunity to spend a day at IBM as part of a career awareness program.
There were slots for only 30 students and the selection process would be rigorous. The children were required to submit a resume, a cover letter, and three reference letters, all of which would be evaluated by a team of IBM employees and Kincaid teachers.
Sydney couldn’t wait to get started. She wanted to be picked, in part because she has a competitive streak, but also because she already knew firsthand what a special company IBM was. After all, both her parents had worked there for many years. In fact, when Ralph managed the college recruiting department, he sometimes took Sydney with him to work. His secretary, Natha, would keep her busy all day doing all kinds of tasks. So she already knew she loved to work at IBM.
Three positions were up for grabs: marketing executive, sales representative and secretary.
“What job are you going to apply for?” I asked, just as excited about her opportunity.
“Well, we can only apply for one, so I’m going to be a secretary.”
“Really? Why did you choose that? Don’t you want to be a boss like mommy and daddy were? Then you could have a secretary work for you,” I offered, trying not to squash her dream, while still imposing my own belief that it is better to boss than be bossed.
“I don’t want to be a boss,” she replied. “Bosses just tell people what to do. I want to be a secretary because they actually help people.”
I couldn’t help but smile at her insight. She had a point. Still, I was determined that she make her choice only after really understanding all the options. I explained that marketing executives were very important people who made more money than both the other positions. I also let her know that sales reps could make lots of money and they didn’t have to sit in an office all day. They got to sell things to customers and travel. Secretaries, on the other hand, pretty much stayed in one place all day and did whatever they were asked. They were certainly important, but underappreciated and underpaid.
Like most parents, I wanted my kid to want what I thought was the biggest and best option.
She wasn’t to be deterred. “Nope, I want to be a secretary.”
I could tell by her expression and body language that her mind was made up. I couldn’t help wondering how two highly ambitious, career-oriented professionals could have birthed someone who didn’t want to emulate them in every way.
That night, she put together her resume, which she reluctantly showed me. The teacher had provided a template and the students were to follow the instructions exactly and not ask for help. She was determined to do it on her own. When I read it, I realized she certainly didn’t need my help.
Work experience
Babysitting, mail gathering, filing, copying, highlighting, organizing. I often help stack chairs in the cafeteria. I sold more Sally Foster wrapping paper than anyone at my school for two years in a row.
Special skills
Top wrapping paper salesperson in my school. I am faithful, organized and have successfully completed a babysitting course at the YMCA. Was the lead female role in the Nutcracker. I successfully completed a summer acting course.
Rewards and recognition
I sold more wrapping paper than anyone for two years in a row. I won the Principal’s Award, a physical education award, and a character education award for being the most respectful child in my grade.
Why I should be selected for this position
My skills and dedication will help IBM reach its goals. I can help file and organize papers in the office. I can run errands if needed. If anything needs to be highlighted, it would be my pleasure to highlight it. If I need to answer the phone, I have good phone manners. I am extremely quiet when needed to be.
I told her it was the best resume I had ever read and I was certain she would get the job.
Finally, a long week later, the day came when it would be announced who had been chosen. I could hardly wait for Sydney to come home. There’s nothing I like more than seeing my children exited and happy. I knew she’d have good news and I was already prepared to take her for ice cream to celebrate.
At about 3:30, Sydney came dragging through the front door. This time, she was breathless from crying so hard. Her heart was broken.
“I didn’t get picked!” she wailed, as she crumbled onto the floor.
“What? You didn’t get a job at IBM? I can’t believe it!” I said, stunned.
My stomach began to churn and I was just about to pick up a phone and demand an explanation. It just wasn’t possible that there were 30 children who were better suited than mine to work at IBM. If I had to, I was going to pull some strings at the company. Sydney was going to work at IBM, by God.
“No, Mommy! I got a job, but I don’t get to be a secretary!” she sobbed, just in time to keep me from embarrassing us both.
“Well, what job did you get?”
“A sales representative! They want me to sell stuff. I don’t want a stupid sales job. I don’t see why I can’t be a secretary.”
I bit the inside of my mouth to keep from laughing. Of course they had chosen her to be a sales rep. Her resume had clearly demonstrated she had special skills in that area. She was discovering at a young age what I was well into adulthood before I learned: we set the expectations others have of us.
I pulled her into my lap and began to tell her that I always thought all along that the sales rep job was the very best anyway. I told her that only very special people could do a job like that and without them, IBM wouldn’t make any money to pay marketing executives and secretaries. I assured her that she would love the job.
“No, I won’t,” she said, this time pouting.
“Well, then tell your teacher you decided you don’t want to participate,” I said. “I’m sure there’s another child who would love to take your place.”
As we drove to Baskin Robbins, she pondered what to do. “Well, I guess I’ll do it. But I know I won’t like it.”
Three days later, she boarded a bus with 29 classmates headed for IBM’s Atlanta headquarters. She was introduced to young man who told her how lucky he was to get such a great team mate for the day. He had read her resume and congratulated her on her past sales success. He took her to his office and began to explain how important his job was. He told her that lots of people depended on him to make their businesses run smoothly. Then he asked her if she’d like to send her Mom an e-mail to let her know where she was. She said she’d rather call. I was with a client, but when I returned to the office, I was relieved and delighted to hear her voicemail. She told me she was having a good time and hoped my day was going well.
When she got home that night, she was once again bubbling with enthusiasm.
“Sales is fun!” she declared. “And Derek was so nice. You know, he has a really good job and he likes to do it. He asked me a lot of questions, too. I taught him some of my tricks for how to sell and he said he hoped he could be as good at sales some day as me. Isn’t that cool!”
I didn’t know who I wanted to hug more in that moment – Sydney or Derek. I called him the next day to thank him for sharing his day with Sydney and making her feel so special. He said it was one of the most fun days he has had since becoming a sales rep. He noted that her constant questions about how and why he did things a certain way made him think and he realized in the process that he was doing exactly what he wanted to do.
As I write this, Sydney is now in the ninth grade. She no longer wants to be a secretary. Now she dreams of being a country music singer, a teacher, or maybe an actress. Perhaps she’ll eventually do all of these things. Whatever she path she chooses, I hope it leaves her breathless with excitement.
