Can you tell us more about your role and the company you work for?

Keriana: I'm currently the Community Lead at Fishburners, Australia's largest start-up community. Originally, I started as the Ecosystem Coordinator, but as my role evolved, so did my title. Fishburners is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals in the start-up arena, particularly focusing on early-stage ventures.

What did you aspire to be when you were younger, and how did you end up in your current role?

Keriana: Surprisingly, I wanted to be a lawyer when I was younger. However, my passion for people and the world of start-ups led me down a different path. I transitioned from studying law to founding my fitness app start-up. The fast-paced nature and autonomy of start-ups appealed to me more than the corporate world, which often moves at a slower pace.

What has been the biggest learning curve for you in your early career journey?

Keriana: I believe that every failure is a learning opportunity. Reflecting on my biggest growth moments, they often stem from what initially felt like massive failures. Embracing failure and learning from it has been the key to my personal and professional development.

Can you share your experience applying for your current role through Hatch?

Keriana: What stood out to me about Hatch was the emphasis on team values and working styles. The ability to find a company that aligned with my values and working style was really important to me. Additionally, being able to demonstrate soft skills, problem-solving abilities, and past experiences played a role in securing the position. 

What advice would you give to others seeking employment opportunities?

Keriana: My biggest advice would be to not underestimate the importance of demonstrating your transferable skills in the hiring process. Draw upon past experiences and how you might be able to apply that skill in a new context. For example, I didn’t have direct experience in Community Management, but believe my past work experiences made me capable of doing the role. I would also suggest avoiding mass applying for roles, and rather focusing on the ones that align with what you care about. The final thing I’d say is to invest your extra time in your early career into extracurricular activities and building a strong network.

Wrapping up

What can you learn from Keriana's career journey so far? Start exploring roles today to find work that's a great fit for you based on your skills, values and motivations on Hatch.

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