30 seconds with an alum: the life of a recruiter
During his time as a student employee for Orientation & Transition Programs, Taylor Sims, Community Psychology ’16, learned the importance of mentorship and of going above and beyond in his work. After college, he started a career in recruitment, and he now works as a technical recruiter for Redapt, an IT solutions provider in Woodinville, Washington.
Sims has come back to UW Bothell regularly as a volunteer, supporting students as they take the first steps in their careers. In this Q&A, he speaks about the ups and downs of being a recruiter, what he learned during his time as a student employee, and the advice he has for graduating students.
Why did you choose to study at UW Bothell?
My high school was very large, and my graduating class had a couple hundred students. For college, I wanted more focused attention, and I felt like I would be swept under the rug in a larger setting. I think for my learning style, I require a little bit more direction and a clearer understanding of ‘Why am I doing this?’
UW Bothell offered me a UW education while also being able to be in a classroom where I could ask questions and make connections. I think UW Bothell was a place I was able to grasp onto. I know the type of student UW Bothell wanted and that I fit that category — that’s why I applied.
“UW Bothell offered me a UW education while also being able to be in a classroom where I could ask questions and make connections.”
Taylor Sims
How did you go from a community psychology degree to a recruitment career?
I was wondering, ‘What’s next?’ after college. Recruiting came out of left field when I applied for my first job. I liked the idea of communicating with people and getting to understand them — building connections.
During the interview, my manager asked me if I’d sold anything before. I said, ‘No, but I’ve worked for four years at UW Bothell, and technically I’ve been selling the University to students and parents.’
When I got the job, he told me it was because he liked that I didn’t have experience but found a creative way to say I was a salesman.
What do you like about recruitment?
I like the euphoric feeling of helping someone better themselves, either by getting a job or earning more money. You know, I’m not a company, I’m a person. If you want more money, I’m willing to give you as much as you want if it falls within the range we can offer!
What are some of the challenging aspects of working in recruitment?
Instinctively, you get so invested in the people that you help hire that when things go wrong, you do take it personally because you care about what happens to that person. When somebody gets the job and then you hear six months down the line that they’re not performing, then my mindset immediately goes to, ‘Did I do a bad job?’ Sometimes I have to take myself out of the equation and realize I did my job to help get that person a role.
Why do you choose to volunteer with UW Bothell?
I’ve always been interested in volunteering opportunities that connect mentorship, career development and growth, and that help students early in their careers. I see my role as explaining to graduates what they can expect when looking for a job.
I had mentors at UW Bothell who really impacted me and broadened my horizons. They helped prepare me for the real world. I’d love to be someone like that for someone else.
Who were the specific people who helped you?
One was Terry Hill, who I worked with at Orientation & Transition Programs. If I wanted to help with a project, Terry would say, ‘Great, what do you want to do?’ He allowed me to dream big but then would say, ‘Hey, let’s come down to earth.’ If I were dreaming too big, he would ask, ‘What can we do differently? How is it going to impact students now?’ He taught me to think about the broader picture.
I could talk about a lot of people here at UW Bothell. They all embodied this idea of being able to involve you in a conversation.
What advice do you have for students who are graduating?
Don’t just go through the motions in your final year. Take advantage of your office hours with your teachers. Stay after school. Meet with people in your class and get to know them. Get out there now, get involved and build experiences because college is an opportunity to gain more experience. Use the opportunities while they’re there.
We are proud to be UW Bothell. If you love UW Bothell, share your story with us — career accomplishments, life changes, community work — we want to hear it!