Back in 2012/2013 I ran a survey of job hunters (co-authored by Naomi House of INALJ). It had over 500 responses, including 117 people who were at least initially willing to be non-anonymous. In this series, we check in with these respondents to see where they are about a decade later.
Nicole Usiondek filled out the original survey in 2012 and her answers appeared as Be Very Clear on What the Minimum Requirements are for the Position. We followed up with her in 2013 and learned that after 20 months she had found a law librarian position (and relocated for it). In 2014, she negotiated for a raise and a title change. When I caught up with her recently, I learned that she’s actually in a non-traditional role now! She was kind enough to answer my questions below:
Where are you now? What’s your work situation like, and what path did you take to get where you are?
I’m a Senior Knowledge Manager for Fragomen. It’s a non-traditional library role and I absolutely love it! I work for a global company and work remotely.
Were any parts of your journey completely unexpected?
I didn’t expect to stay in the legal arena, but I’m so glad I did.
Looking over your past answers, what pops out at you? Has anything changed?
I am far more comfortable working in a non-traditional library role than I thought I would be and I don’t see myself ever going back to a traditional library setting.
Have you had a chance to hire anyone? If so, what was that like?
Yes, and it’s challenging. It’s not just about education and experience, but also about a cultural fit to ensure it’s a mutually beneficial relationship.
Do you have any advice for job hunters?
Don’t be afraid to change your vision of what will make you happy.
Do you have any advice for people who hire LIS folks?
LIS folks have great soft skills, curiosity and the ability to pivot – this is in addition to many other transferable skills.
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m currently on holiday in Egypt! 🙂
Hiring Librarians 