Build the Career and the Life You Want: Q&A With Career Coach Marcy Hess
Every year, a new class of Jewish alumni enters the workforce and begins their professional lives. As members of the class of 2025 launch their careers, we spoke with Marcy (Newman) Hess, senior director of strategic partnerships at Loyola Marymount University (LMU)’s career and professional development office and a private career and leadership coach, about her own professional journey and the advice she has for those just starting out.
Hillel International: How long have you been at LMU, and how did you decide that coaching was your path?
Marcy (Newman) Hess: “I will have been at LMU for 10 years this September. I fell into career coaching: It wasn’t something I knew I wanted to do – I just knew I wanted to be on a college campus and work within a university setting in some capacity supporting students. I have my master’s in education from the University of Southern California, and originally, I was going to school in hopes of supporting Greek life organizations and orientation programs, which really had an impact on my personal and leadership development throughout college.
My first year out of grad school, I was working in a student activities office at a small liberal arts women’s college, and while I loved the work and supporting women, my boss at the time wasn’t a great fit. A colleague who worked in the career center told me that there was a position open, and so I interviewed for it and ended up getting the job. At first, I felt a bit like, ‘Who am I to be giving career advice at 25 or 26?’ but I found that I’m really good at it, not just in things like resume and cover letter feedback, but also in being an advocate for others, an empathetic listener, and an enthusiastic advice-giver for these students, which are all things that come naturally to me.
I always tell people that I didn’t plan for this – it just happened. I had a conversation with a colleague and stayed open to what could be a possibility for me professionally and took a chance by exploring another area of university life/student affairs I hadn’t considered. And I have found that I really enjoy the elements of the field (coaching) as they align strongly with my personality, values and interests.”
Hillel: What advice would you give to students on determining an initial career path post-graduation?
Marcy: “For students who are unsure of what they want to do, I’m a big fan of just talking to people. Make a list of the companies you want to work for and look for connections, whether that’s through family, mentors, former bosses or professors, or an alumni network through your school or one like the Jewish Career Network. Once you find those people, line up a time to go grab coffee with them virtually or in person, and just inquire about ‘What’s it really like to work at Netflix? What’s it really like to be a part of Kaiser? What are the skills needed to be successful in your field or industry?’
The relationship piece is key to me, especially when I think about my life. In my career in particular, so much of it has been through relationships where I’ve been referred, recommended, or introduced. And actually, more than 80% of jobs come through networking. You really can just reach out to someone with a message like, ‘Hey, (name of alumna). I also went to NYU and just graduated. I’m really impressed with your background. I’d love some advice on what it looks like to work in public relations or whatever it is that someone is hoping to learn more about.’ By talking to others you’ll discern what may or may not be a good fit for you, company culture or industry-wise. You’ll gain clarity and narrow down your options of what you may want to explore pursuing or applying for.
As far as building a network, remember that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel: Go where there are already established networks and tap into existing communities. What were you involved in as an undergrad, and where might you tap back into that network? Were you in a sorority? Hillel? Student government? Find your people and utilize that shared experience and connection. People want to help one another, whether you graduated with them or they’re 10 years older. And on the topic of helping others, I’m a big proponent of volunteering, especially during a time like this in our world. See what your alumni association has to offer, look through your networks (like LinkedIn) – find where you can be of service and what you can do to help others. Your community is where you can find opportunities.
I’m also a big fan of life design. There’s this great book that I recommend often to clients and alumni called ‘Designing Your Life,’ and I encourage people to reflect because I think there’s such a self-imposed and societal pressure to have it all ‘figured out.’ But the thing is, it’s a lifelong process: I’m in my forties, and I’m still ‘figuring it out.’ So I love the concept of not just ‘What career do you want to have?’ but ‘What kind of life do you want to build?’ It’s important to do some reflection, journaling, and not just get a job to get something or be at a high-profile company. If I could tell recent grads anything, it’s to not get too fixated on your degree and instead focus on the skillset you can bring to an organization and what brings you purpose and joy.”
Hillel: What would you tell a recent grad who is feeling anxious about their future?
Marcy: “Slow it down. Focus on what you enjoy doing – not just what you got a degree in, but the skills that you want to bring and the impact you want to make. Your degree is important, but it’s not everything and it’s not so linear in the real world. And explore your options beyond finding a job; maybe volunteer with the Peace Corps, maybe do a fellowship or a Fulbright. You’re going to work for a long time, so have some adventure and fun where you can. I know that people have bills and loans to pay, but take some time to get creatively curious. We’re always in such a rush to get to the next step, but why are we putting this pressure on ourselves? Why can’t we say, ‘For the month of July, I’m taking off to travel, and then in August, I’ll hire a career coach or set up some informational calls.’”
Hillel: What are the top three tips you would give to recent grads who are now searching for jobs?
Marcy: “First, celebrate your accomplishments. Post on LinkedIn or the Jewish Career Network and say something like, ‘I just graduated from LMU with a degree in business administration, I’m looking to apply to these positions, and I’d love to connect with people in my community.’ Share your accomplishments with your network – or what will become your network – and let them celebrate you.
Second, get involved with your alumni association and find ways to connect with your community. Find your people, get a mentor, tap into those existing communities, and start building those relationships. And who knows? You may even land a job through connecting.
Third, reflect on what you enjoy. Do some energy mapping over a week’s time to reflect on your activities and tasks, and look at where your energy was high and where it was low during these activities. Assess where you feel energized and what activities deplete your energy. Look for themes, roles in your life where you feel in a flow, things come naturally and you feel good about yourself afterward.
Is it that you’re the unofficial advice-giver to your friends and family? Or the go-to person at dinners to figure out the bill and speak up if there’s a discrepancy? Reflecting on daily, weekly, or monthly activities will give you insight into what you want to do, and your community may also be able to reflect to you what they see are your greatest gifts. From there, you can schedule some informational conversations or coffee chats with people where you’re just curious about what they do and how they got there.
I think it’s important that we normalize asking people about their paths and, for those being asked the question, normalize demystifying the process for job seekers. No one really teaches you how to navigate post-grad life or ‘how to adult,’ and so I’m a big advocate of not doing it alone and instead leaning on your networks for support.
To be clear, this process isn’t formulaic or linear. It’s not ‘follow these three steps and you’ll find your dream job.’ It’s clunky and messy and scary and exciting. But if you tap into your networks, it can be a little bit easier and more enjoyable, I have found.”
Looking for a way to get started with building your career journey? Check out the Jewish Career Network and connect with peers, mentors, and professionals across hundreds of fields, as well as read Career Conversations featuring Marcy and others.
Marcy has also very generously offered to provide interested students who are involved with Hillel with one 30-minute complimentary coaching session. Contact her at [email protected].