Knowing what steps to take in order to guarantee career success can oftentimes be intimidating and require you to step out of your comfort zone. As a part of the Advice and Perspective series, we invited Don Bell to share with us how taking risks led him to career success. Check out the recording of the event and some highlights below!
Don Bell graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2010 where he majored in History and minored in Political Science. He then matriculated straight into UConn School of Law and graduated in 2013. During his time at UConn Law, he experienced many different types of policy including election law, administrative law, and business insurance compliance law amongst others, all of which affirmed his passion for public service. He took on different opportunities including being the first person from UConn Law to work on Capitol Hill. After a winding career path, he currently works as Assistant Director for Career Development at UConn Law, and is the Vice Chair of the East Hartford Town Council. He feels very fortunate to do things that bring him immense fulfillment and allow him to make a meaningful and positive impact on a variety of different communities.
Don believes that taking risks has always been a defining feature of his career because in searching for a career, there is always some level of inherent risk. He feels that this is an important conversation to have based on his past experiences with his mentors in college. Don recounts how certains mentors would push him when he was qualified for a position but felt anxiety and concern of being told no. This extra motivation allowed him to gain confidence in himself and his abilities. Don says that the biggest risk he took was taking an opportunity in D.C. as an unpaid fellow for a senator. He decided to dive into the sea of uncertainty because he knew if he took that risk there would be extraordinary rewards and it ended up working out.
When Don assesses risk in his current career, he thinks about his long-term goals and if a risk does not align with his goals then it is not worth it. He also thinks about risks in context of the person he is and the person he wants to be. Don says that this is important because then you can take the steps necessary to get to the person you want to be.
Currently, Don finds himself dealing with challenges including imposter syndrome, managing expectations, and fatigue. Black men in this country are often told they can’t do things, but Don says knowing that when confronted with a complex or difficult problem he can accomplish the task helps with these feelings of insecurity. In addition, Don advises setting appropriate expectations and understanding that things don’t happen overnight. This helps with the exhaustion that comes from putting all of yourself into making the promise of your career the practice of your career.
In regards to confidence, Don argues that it is both overrated and underrated. It is overrated in the sense that confidence alone won’t get you where you want to be. And it is underrated in the sense that it seems like a small thing but it is hard to accomplish your goals personally or professionally if you don’t have the inner confidence. Confidence is necessary but not the only piece of the puzzle.
As a final piece of advice, Don says to remember that your career won’t be a straight line and it isn’t for anyone. There will be challenges and setbacks along the way but as long as you are aligned with your own values and constantly searching for yourself, then that will put you on the right path. The greatest lesson Don learned was that if you are constantly chasing other people’s success and happiness you will be neither successful nor happy. Define for yourself what success and happiness is and pursue that.
Are you ready to take a risk to advance in your career? Risks come in all shapes and sizes and even include taking the first steps to create a resume. The Center for Career Development is always here to help you navigate whether taking a risk is the best decision for your career. Schedule an appointment with a career coach to learn more!
