NX Direct’s Recruiter, Raina Arden, was born and raised in Georgia and joined the team in September of 2019. Arden was once a young college graduate, searching for a career and her place in the world, and she found it at NX Direct. She now works tirelessly as a recruiter in our firm, scouting talent and guiding future entrepreneurs through the ropes of our business. Who better to advise these future businesspeople than a person who, not so long ago, was in their shoes? She shared with the team her two major steps to success, not from the mind of a recruiter, but from the experience of a young entrepreneur turned HR Manager.
Keep an Open Mind
“Never in a million years did I want to work in an office setting, in fact, when I was young, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I finished four years of college at Georgia Gwinnett College with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse and working for Emory in Downtown Atlanta. I have always been very stubborn, which keeps me going through everything, but I opened my mind to the possibility of this career and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. When I first met the NX Direct team, I liked the company a lot. They made me feel no less than them. I felt like a part of a family and team environment immediately. Everyone gets along so well and it’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever been around. This career has made me focus on the direction I’d like my career to go. Ultimately, I am so thankful that this opportunity came to me and I was open enough to receive it.”
Prepare Yourself Professionally
“When I speak to people about this opportunity, I tell them it is an exciting environment of diverse people, with many opportunities to grow, but you have to be ready for it. Be honest in an interview; don’t pretend to be more experienced than you are, because, in reality, the experience is not what we are looking for. We are looking for drive, work ethic, and a desire to succeed. It seems funny or obvious, but I wish more people knew how to dress appropriately for the position. You would be surprised how many people walk into the interview in gym attire. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, present yourself like one.”
As for her own future, Raina Arden hopes to spend the next five years helping our management team run an effective office and top-performing global company, growing and learning from the team around her. She plans to be consistent and positive, to support her team with a strong foundation, and give others the confidence they need to take risks. Based on her experience, Raina Arden believes that the best way to prepare for a career in business is to remain grounded, she told us, “my favorite part about being a leader in the industry is the ability to help other people.”