About the Episode
About the Episode:
In this compelling episode of "Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO," Jaime talks with Joe Picini, who opens up about his personal journey of navigating a sudden layoff and the critical role his professional network played in finding new opportunities.
Takeaways from this episode include:
- Advice for building a network that can help you land on your feet after an unexpected career setback – or when your just ready to make a change
- Insight into how a great professional network can help you overcome imposter syndrome
- Strategies for connecting with colleagues, mentors, and LinkedIn connections when you need professional support
- Tips for protecting your mental health when dealing with life’s curveballs
Listen to Joe’s inspiring story and gather actionable insights on how to leverage your network, stay resilient, and navigate the challenges of a job search. Whether you're facing job uncertainty or looking to strengthen your professional connections, this episode offers valuable lessons for all.
The Shock of a Layoff: Embracing Uncertainty
Joe’s layoff story begins like many others—with an unexpected and unsettling conversation. After being hinted at in February, Joe’s position was officially eliminated in March, leaving him in what he described as “shock mode.” However, Joe’s proactive approach began even before the official word came down. Anticipating the worst, he immediately started applying for jobs, sending out between 60 and 100 applications.
Despite the volume, Joe found that cold applications weren’t yielding results. Instead, his network became his most valuable asset. This experience underlined a critical lesson: in times of professional upheaval, your network can often be the lifeline that bridges you to your next opportunity.
The Power of Reflection and a Broad Search
One of the most significant aspects of Joe’s story is how he used this time of uncertainty as an opportunity for deep self-reflection. Rather than immediately jumping into the first available role, Joe took a step back to evaluate what he truly wanted from his career. He asked himself key questions about the content of the work, the processes involved, the growth opportunities, and the environments he preferred.
Joe didn’t limit his job search to higher education. He explored opportunities in healthcare, internal communications, student success, and even K-12 education. This wide net allowed him to consider where his skills could be most valued and where he might find the most satisfaction.
Ultimately, Joe’s introspection led him to a new role similar to his previous work, but in a new environment that excited him—at a public institution where he could engage with a student population he deeply believes in. This shift, while staying within his expertise, reflected his desire to align more closely with his values and long-term goals.
Leveraging Your Network: A Key to Success
Joe’s journey highlights the importance of an active and engaged network. Surprisingly, none of the roles he applied for through traditional job boards resulted in interviews. Instead, all six of the interviews he landed came directly through connections in his network. Joe reached out to former colleagues, clients from his time at a digital marketing agency, and even people he’d only interacted with briefly.
One particularly notable example was how Joe identified a job posting at NJIT, discovered a mutual connection between the hiring manager and a former supervisor, and used that connection to get a foot in the door. This approach emphasizes a vital career lesson: building and maintaining relationships can be as important as the work you do.
Maintaining Mental Health During a Layoff
Layoffs can be a significant emotional and psychological blow. Joe candidly shared the emotional rollercoaster he experienced—ranging from shame and fear to anger. To manage these feelings, Joe created a structure for his days, setting aside specific times for job searching and allowing himself a weekly “no job search day” to focus on activities that brought him joy and helped him recharge.
He also emphasized the importance of having a life outside of work. Joe reflected on how pouring himself entirely into his job had made the layoff even harder to process. Balancing personal passions and relationships can provide a crucial support system when professional life takes an unexpected turn.
Joe’s story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability that many in higher education and marketing possess. By embracing change, leveraging networks, and maintaining a balanced perspective, professionals can navigate even the most challenging career transitions successfully.
For a deeper dive into Joe's experience and more insights on managing career transitions, tune into the full episode of Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO on the Enrollify Podcast Network.
To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO in your favorite podcast player.
Connect With Our Host:
Jaime Hunt
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/
https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMC
About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Talking Tactics and Higher Ed Pulse.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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Experience firsthand how AI is improving content personalization at scale, impacting strategic decision-making, and intuitively automating the mundane tasks that consume our time. The schedule is packed with real examples and case studies, so you leave knowing how to harness AI to drive meaningful change at your institution.
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