1/ I’ve hired HUNDRED of people over my career, and biggest lesson I’ve learned is people that take unusual paths to a profession are generally the strongest candidates.

The kid that got straight As and went from college to a field! Generally not exceptional and needs direction.

2/ Now, the single mom who went back to learn a new trade because it was her real passion?

Generally exceptional. Because all life experience is useful, and when you take a straight direction to a career you have fewer experiences to draw upon.

3/ We’ve got to get over this narrative that you’ve gotta go straight from high school into a field and never leave.

I’ve worked with those people. In my experience they need a system to function and can’t think out-of-the-box.

We should value unusual candidates more.