Melanie Boyce Shares Her Journey in Corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pt. III
This article discusses maintaining self-esteem through the grueling job search process and leaning on your network.
By Norrell Edwards — July 19, 2023
Melanie had so many insightful gems for us, I had to split this interview into three segments. This is the final section of our talk with Melanie Boyce, Manager of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging for Capital One, based in New York City. This section discusses maintaining self-esteem through the grueling job search process and leaning on your network.
Doing Everything Right, but Still Sometimes Things Go Wrong
Dr. Norrell Edwards:
Finally, from knowing you as well as what we've talked about during this interview—your trajectory was not at all linear. I know you spent some time unemployed. What would you tell students about self-esteem as well as the highs and lows of the post-college career journey?Melanie:
After my time at Cambridge, I was laser-focused on getting a job in diversity. I was unemployed for a year and half before finding my job at NBC and it was rough. I lived at home for eighteen months; I was supporting my mom where I could and trying to pay back student loans while also navigating the job market. I went for A LOT of different interviews, but interviewers were always looking for people with MORE diversity experience. But all I could draw on was my academic experience.M:
I took temp jobs where I could support myself and support my family; it was definitely a blow to my self-esteem. I felt like I had done everything right. I had gone to prestigious programs, and on paper I was the perfect candidate. I didn't understand why it wasn't translated in real life.M:
The most important part is to give yourself grace. I didn't give myself a lot of grace during that time. And now, looking back—I wish I would have. It's not like I was stagnant and not working toward something. I was applying every day; I had spreadsheets dedicated to it. So, looking back, I would give myself more grace and tell myself that I was working hard, and it would pay off.M:
This is part of why I don't have a huge social media precedence. On social media, you're only seeing the wins. You're like geez when is it going to be my turn? When is my winning season gonna come?M:
You don't see the rejections, the failure or the challenges that people endure because social media is a curated experience. While I was unemployed, I had to remain steadfast and just believe that my time was coming. You're putting in all this work and it's not going to be in vain. It's important to let people know this is hard and you're having a tough time. I didn't do that, and it was eating at me for a long time. Having folks in your corner, cheering you on is everything. Be open and honest with folks that you love and love you. They'll help.Network is Your Net Worth
M:
I'd also tell myself to lean on my network. You never know who somebody else knows in your circle or who could help you. I came back from graduate school abroad and was using my undergrad network; I was open to any and every avenue. That's how I landed at NBC—leaning on my network and finding somebody that worked there to give me a referral. And then I got my foot in the door. So, remain steadfast and give yourself grace.M:
Don't forget to take care of your network too. Don't just use them for something; make sure you're making meaningful engagement with them throughout the year. Also, especially for women and people of color—you don't need 100% of the qualifications to apply to a job. If the description scares you, that's good. That means you'll be motivated and ready to challenge yourself. For years, I didn't think I'd end up working in media and entertainment; I thought I'd have to work my way up to that.N:
Coming from a marginalized community, it can be hard to know how to network. If your parents don't come from the field you're interested in—you just don't know. Having family with the hook up and connections is such an advantage. We associate nepo babies with celebrities, but the professional, white collar is full of low scale nepo babies too.M:
My parents are immigrants too. Not only did they not have the knowledge; they both work for the City of New York. I was interested in going the corporate route and figuring that out. They didn't have that network. So, I had to go to this job fair or try out this alumni networking event. You start small when it comes to building your network.Major Takeaways
The job search can be brutal and demoralizing, especially if you are trying to break into a field where you have few connections. Your hard work will pay off, but you've got to keep pushing and trying every avenue. Give yourself grace; you're doing your best. Building your network is a key piece of landing a job in the space you want to be in.
Norrell Edwards
Norrell Edwards is a scholar, educator, and communications consultant for non-profit organizations. Her employment experience and research interests place her work at the nexus of global Black identity, cultural memory, and social justice. Norrell graduated with a BA in English Literature from Hunter’s College followed by a PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park in 20th and 21st Century Black Diaspora Literature.
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