From CEOx1Day to Starting My Career at Odgers Berndtson

CEOx1Day Finalist Kayla Maduk with the Odgers Berndtson Ottawa team. From left to right: Suzy Foisy, Joanne McMullin, Susannah Crabtree, Kayla Maduk, Brittany Haughey, Michael Williams and Eric Slankis.

 

As a recent commerce graduate from Carleton University, I could have chosen many different organizations to kick-start my career, but an unexpected and natural connection with Odgers Berndtson through the CEOx1Day program led me to pursue a Project Coordinator role at the firm starting this May.

In the winter of 2018, I was chosen as a Finalist for their unique CEOx1Day program and paired with Danielle Robinson, CEO & President of the Ottawa Senators Foundation. After a rigorous selection process, I was a semi-finalist in the final program stage where I took part in a half-day evaluation conducted and hosted by Odgers Berndtson in their Ottawa office.

During the semi-finalist day, I felt an instinctive connection to the team at the Ottawa office. As I learned more about the firm, the people and the world of executive search and talent management, I felt that my educational background, my personal experiences and passion for people would make me a great fit. I was motivated to join the team as a Project Coordinator, which I gladly accepted for the following reasons:

The Team – The team members in the Ottawa Office are very inviting, enthusiastic and genuine. When I started, I felt extremely welcomed and supported. Since I’ve started, there has been a heavy focus on integration, team-building and learning from each other.

The Work – Odgers Berndtson is a very dynamic place to work and every day is different. I love that there is always a new challenge, and a never-ending learning curve. Professional services offers a wide range of opportunities to work with various clients across all industries and functions, which keeps the work varied and exciting!

The People and Networks – I’ve always known that I wanted to work with people. Building comprehensive and sustainable relationships with clients and candidates is the bread and butter of Odgers Berndtson. I am proud to work for a company who puts such value on people, regardless if they are clients, candidates or employees.

I am looking forward to my future career growth and leadership experiences working at Odgers Berndtson. As a former CEOx1Day Finalist, I am also excited to be on the other side of the selection process after the program applications open this September!