Welcome to the first profile feature as part of my new Sexy Jobs series! This week, I sat down with my friend Hilary Nguyen, who works as a Communications Manager at Recirculating Farms, an urban farm in New Orleans. I met Hilary a few years ago, and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who is more passionate about their job. When I realised I needed to consult the experts and reach out to the people in my circle with the sexiest jobs, texting Hilary was a no-brainer. You can listen to the entire interview here or check out the highlights of our chat below.
How would you define a Sexy Job?
When you say Sexy Job I think of a job that turns you sexy. I think a lot of jobs can be really draining and filled with too many menial tasks that don’t really give you a sense of fulfilment. A sexy job would be the opposite of that; it’s a job where you’re really thriving in that space.
Okay, what does your job actually entail? You’re the first person I’ve met in urban farming
I oversee outreach, but also step into other roles since we have a small team. I do a lot of volunteer coordination and some project management. Everyone is also required to have some farm time, and I love that, since I first started at the farm as a volunteer.
How did you get into this line of work?
I knew that I was interested in nonprofit work, I love government work and helping to give back to the community in any way. Moving to a new city for university, volunteering was a great way to see new places and meet new people. I started at Recirculating Farms in my first year at university, and the team got to know me. I interned for them in my final year and talked very openly about wanting to get into the nonprofit space. Even as I was volunteering at other organisations, I asked people how they got into the industry, and 85% said they entered through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is a federal programme. You apply, and if you are accepted, the process of matching is similar to sorority rushing, where you interview with different organisations and nonprofits, and you’re matched in the end.
We all have a say in the organisation. It allows you to want to do the work because you know you have buy-in and that your voice has a say in what happens next.
What did you consider to be the most important things when applying for a job? What were your priorities when starting your career?
I was really looking for something that would allow me to be flexible since I travel so often. I’m travelling internationally every three to six months, and I needed a job that would be okay with that. We’re a working farm, so there’s nothing really to do in the dead of winter. Besides that, I really wanted a place where I could grow. A lot of places want you to work for them, but they don’t allow you the courtesy of messing up, and I feel that can be very stressful for someone who’s just starting out. Something I didn’t know about my job, but is now something I will continue to look out for going forward, is this very lateral power dynamic. We all have a say in the organisation. It allows you to want to do the work because you know you have buy-in and that your voice has a say in what happens next.
What would be your advice for someone who wants to get into the nonprofit space?
If you have the opportunity to volunteer with an organisation and start to cultivate a relationship with the team prior to a job application, that’s a great way to have a working interview for yourself and see if that organisation really is for you1. If there’s no job opening being announced, I’d recommend just talking to the team. Once you start getting involved and they get to know you, you have the opportunity to express your interest in being part of the organisation in the future.
Thank you for keeping up with the first edition of Sexy Jobs. If you’re interested in learning more about Recirculating Farms, visit their website or check out their Instagram. If you (or someone you know) has a Sexy Job and would be down to talk about it and give me life advice in the process, please reach out to sexyjobsjulia@gmail.com
author’s note: I used to think the whole “job interviews are a two-way street” thing was total bs until I had a job interview and realised how much I didn’t want to work there. This is very good advice on Hil’s end.
I’m obsessed with this series!!