My interview with success story Nicole
Naomi: How did you find your current job?
Nicole: I networked like crazy! I had a feeling I wanted to get into development research so I reached out to other librarians I knew who were doing the same type of work. However, I also tried to be creative about it and reached out to anyone basically who worked in the development world. My resume ended up in the hands of a 3rd degree connection and he brought it to a professional board meeting where my now-boss snatched it from him when she saw it! I still had to apply to the job through the regular channels (official web site) but it definitely helped to speed along the process I feel like.
Naomi: Favorite library you have been to?
Nicole: This is a tough one as I’ve seen some really great libraries around the world. However, it is the libraries that I grew up with that will always be my favorites- both the Leverett Library and The Jones Library in Western Massachusetts. The librarians there, along with my dad, really taught me the love of books and reading.
Naomi: Favorite book(s)?
Nicole: Another tough one! I’m going to go with a series that I just devoured when I was younger, the Shoes Series by Noel Streatfeild. It’s probably time to give Ballet Shoes another read. I also will forever love Anne of Green Gables. One day I will finally make it to PEI….
Naomi: Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Nicole: I believe libraries foster community. Their ability to offer people of all age groups and backgrounds access to information that they may not normally have is truly unique in our culture.
Naomi: Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Nicole: Well I’m partial to Hack Library School but I also think it’s important to not only follow library-related blogs. It’s good to be diverse in your education I think in order to break free of the bubble at times. I’m a fan of the Harvard Business Review. I also follow a lot of food blogs. Who doesn’t like pictures of food?
Naomi: Best piece of job hunting advice?
Nicole: Be open to change! Be willing to get outside of your comfort zone and talk to people about what they do for work! You never know where it might lead…
Before entering the Library Science program at Simmons, Nicole worked for 6+ years at Goldman Sachs in both Boston and London. She completed her MSLS at Simmons College in the Spring of 2011. After working for over a year as a Research Analyst at an investment firm in Boston, Nicole has recently begun working as a Research Analyst in the Alumni Affairs & Development office at a local university. She is also the Special Libraries Association (SLA) First Five Years Advisory Council representative from the SLA New England Chapter. When she’s not busy researching or collaborating with other librarians over Twitter, you can find Nicole exploring the Boston area for new restaurants and food trucks or training for her next marathon.