A White Woman Told Me I Was Under-Experienced. It Was an Awakening

I was employed as a supervisor in the retail industry when one of the part-time workers informed me that Southwestern Bell was hiring, and suggested that with my degree, I would surely get a position if I went and applied.

That was music to my ears because I had just found out that our store would be closing and we'd be losing our jobs in the next month. As a Black woman, I was excited about the possibility of working for such a well-known company and the opportunities that may be offered.

Upon my arrival were several people waiting to be seen in the lobby. I stepped up to the counter to express my interest in employment and was asked to have a seat after providing my resume for review.

After a brief wait, I was called into an office with a white female who held my resume in hand as I took a seat. While skimming my resume, she asked if I had any additional work experience other than what was listed on my resume.

I started to expound on what I had achieved while working each of the three jobs that I had listed, acknowledging my bachelor degree, as well.

She then insisted that I did not qualify for any current openings they had available. She encouraged that I gain additional work experience and to check back. Needless to say, I was quite discouraged and was left with the thought of questioning, "How does one gain experience without given a chance?"

Once I relayed what happened to the part-time colleague, she insisted that I return and this time, ask to speak with Mr. Drake.

I felt awkward and insulted by the turn-away. After earning a degree, my ego did not want me to go back to where I had been rejected. However, after weighing my options, I decided that I didn't have much to lose apart from my current job, for certain.

On my return arrival, luckily, I was approached by an unfamiliar person. I politely asked her if Mr. Drake was available. I was then asked if I had an appointment. I answered, "No, I do not."

I then informed her that I had been referred by somebody. I was asked to wait while she left the counter, and upon her return was a Black gentleman that followed behind her with an extended hand to usher me into his office.

In the impromptu interview, Mr. Drake mentioned that I qualified for two positions for which they have vacancies. After naming the two positions, he gave me the choice of which one I would be interested in filling. It hit me like a cold, blunt slap in the face, but it was also an awakening. I made the choice, and was given a return date for a job visit.

I was happy to have landed the job offer, but at the same time, perplexed as to what my future with this company might encounter as a Black woman. Nonetheless, this would be the beginning of a 30-year career ride of my life!

I have shared my story with numerous young and hopeful Black graduates that I hope will take caution and self-protection in their expectations of conquering a successful career path. I have recently shared it with a white colleague who was intrigued to the point of suggesting that I should teach a class, too.

Born a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Octavia Cross Nee Nicholson was an honor-roll student, graduating in the top ten of her high school class of 1980. While employed full-time, Octavia received a Master's degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. She retired as a Marketing Manager after working 30 years in advertising and is currently employed as an Office Support Specialist for Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.

All views expressed are the author's own.

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