By Sarah Esserman, Career Peer Mentor
I reached out to alum Cade Beaulieu through UVM Connect to learn more about his job at Nike and career journey. He was willing and able to talk the following day and we had a great conversation about his experiences.
Cade graduated in 2005 with a degree in Studio Art. Prior to his position as a Design Director, he held other roles at Nike. His team is considered the fastest product engine at Nike, meaning that they can create products and put them in the market in about seven months. He works with a trend and consumer focused team of product graphic designers and developers.
I asked Cade what his favorite aspects of his current role and field of work was and he emphasized that being a people manager has been very fulfilling. He emphasized the importance of relationships and explained that if there was one thing he wished he knew when he started his career, it is the value of relationships. You can be the single most talented person in any room but if you cannot establish the right relationship with the right people then your career will be underwhelming.
When asking if he had any suggestions on what UVM students can do to prepare for a similar career and the world of work, he explained the importance of being passionate. If you are passionate about what you are creating, then it is easier for you to authenticate those things with other people. This also ties into the importance of relationships. In Cade’s field specifically, you need to become really good at being yourself when it comes to the type of work that you do. Instead of trying to mold yourself to a creative role, it is best to embrace the way your personal authenticity.
Finally, if Cade could change one thing about the current world we live in, it would be the balance between work and life. During our discussion, we both agreed that this is beginning to happen. People tend to make work their life and the pandemic is starting to shift this mind set. It is important to remember that a job does not define us.