Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Walker.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Will. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Shortly after graduating from Georgia State University in 2016, I was referred to Robert Half by one of my new colleagues. I was looking for a new opportunity and after doing some research, I was both impressed and intrigued by the company’s history, accolades and a commitment to ethics first. After a successful interview, I was offered a position as a technical recruiter for our Robert Half Technology division. It was the perfect role as it allowed me to foster my interest in Information Technology by focusing on the specific needs and aspirations of each job seeker.
From the start, I enjoyed making those personal connections. It’s extremely satisfying when I can impact someone’s life by finding them a new position. Since that time, I have been promoted several times and I currently manage my division. And probably the best part of my job now is being able to develop my team members and watch their careers grow. But I will never forget how wonderful it was to offer someone a job. We help people put food on the table and it changes lives. The memories that stick with me from that time are the incredible reactions I witnessed when I offered someone a job.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I must admit my first year was rough. It seemed like everyone on my team was successful while I struggled. It took a lot of work, determination, persistence and resilience to keep going. Like mastering any skill, I knew I had to work on my craft to perfect it. I practiced calling clients on my commute, listened to recordings of myself and I even kept a book of possible scenarios on my nightstand. I get a lot of eye rolls when I say that to people. I explain it’s like building a house brick by brick. I actually keep track of everything in a spreadsheet. It allows me to see the ebbs and flows of my career. There are days when I am on top of the world and others when I am wondering what I did wrong. My goal is to make each peak higher than the last. The only way to do that is to continue to learn and improve.
Please tell us more about your work.
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm. In addition to our six offices in the Atlanta area, we have more than 300 staffing locations worldwide and offer hiring and job search services at roberthalf.com.
Robert Half has a long company history of innovation, always guided by high ethical standards and the belief that finding the right fit for a client and candidate creates an engaged and energized workforce. We pioneered the idea of professional staffing services nearly 70 years ago and, as the needs of businesses have evolved, so have we. In fact, right now, all of our employees have the unconditional option to work from home for as long as our current public health crisis persists. Regardless of where our teams are located or how they are working today, Robert Half is 100% operational, and we continue to serve our customers with the same integrity and passion as we did before this crisis.
Do you feel like our city is a good place for businesses like yours? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can our city do to improve?
Atlanta is a big city with a small-town feel. You only need to drive a few miles and it’s like you’ve stepped into an entirely different city. Plus, there is always something to do from outdoor activities to concerts to enjoying our amazing food scene. This allows our residents to connect and build a network quickly, which is essential for someone just starting out.
For myself, I take advantage of all the opportunities Atlanta provides to build my personal and professional connections. I enjoy mountain biking. I’m addicted to the adrenaline rush and I ride every chance I get. There is a strong mountain biking community in Georgia. For a relatively low altitude state, there are a ton of trail systems. Not only is it a great way to meet people, it also provides an escape from the everyday. That was something I really missed after my college sports career ended. I would also recommend any newcomer to Atlanta to get involved with a local trade association. I participate in three, including serving as President of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP), and the boards of both the Help Desk Institute (HDI) and The WIT Network. Atlantans are also known for supporting the community. One of my favorite projects is organized through the nonprofit organization, PowerMyLearning. We help refurbish and build computers for students at Title 1 schools so those without a PC at home can be provided one at an early age.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3343 Peachtree Rd NE Ste 600 Atlanta, GA 30326
- Website: rht.com
- Phone: 404-233-1382
- Email: william.walker@rht.com
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_WilldoesIT
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