Lessons from 80 job rejections | Erica Burett | TEDxFrankfurt

10 years ago, Erica came to Germany from Kenya with a dream: to get into a university, graduate and join a multinational company, because she knew that was the only way out of poverty. But sometimes, we’re met with adversity. The fire and desire of climbing toward your dreams and goals can burn out due to life’s challenges. Erica was quickly reminded that her origin, gender and skin colour were things that would directly or indirectly play into her long-term career success. So she used those challenges to build a business idea: mentoring international students and graduates pursuing a career in Germany.

Through her experiences, she learned one of life’s important lessons: Fear, doubt and adversity will tempt you to let go of your dreams and goals, but to hold on and achieve, you must develop the

[sanj]

120+ rejections and still going strong, I got this!

[pascalemwavaga]

I am currently looking for summer 2024 internships here in the US. I am 40 rejections in. It’s tough.
I’m in the process of forming a new strategy. Mostly networking. I feel defeated but I’m glad I came across this great encouragement

[doraneko]

as someone who felt very frustrated this early morning and started to believe that after one year of getting countless job rejections all my hard working is meaningless, thank you very much for this sharing. Now I know that I'm not the only one who's going through this. Thanks for all the sharing in the comment section too

[rgseven]

This video deserves much more views due to how inspirational it is. I have been feeling very depressed due to facing multiple job rejections and decided to give up. But Erica’s journey made me realise that I am not the only one who is facing this. Appreciate this Ted talk immensely.

[dominiquehippolyte]

Thank you Erica! This was so encouraging. I’ve faced so many rejections that it has been hard to continue applying for jobs, I’ve been at the same job for over 8 years and my career growth has been stagnant. Despite my best efforts I have not been able to succeed in landing a role after so many years of trying. I feel very inspired by this talk.

[OA_RoyalPriest]

Massive!
Fun fact: In the last months I got a job at a Bank by exactly abiding by that authenticity rule.
Sometimes the best title you have is your story.
God bless you. Thanks for sharing that.

[arshdeepsinghbrar]

So relatable 😢 made me cry so many times on how so many of us immigrants go through so many similar experience.

[TheLarouni]

How come only a few people write comments or even like this video? This is so true and I would like to see more courage at the decision making level to give a different input to our world.

[danieladelezaeta]

Great talk Erica! 👏
Thanks for sharing your story and for motivating not only international students but also calling out HR managers to open their minds and their recruitment practices to move towards true diversity

[ramirenriquez]

Knowing that culture shock can happen to anyone made my recent relocation challenges normal and lifted the pressure I put on myself. The reminder that success is not linear and that showing our authentic personality can give us the edge are the things I got from her presentation. Lovely video!

[passionatereader]

Ive faced rejection repeatedly. I will keep going. Great talk.

[konraddzbik]

Great talk! Fingers crossed, keep doing it!

[Roshe]

7 April 2023 to passed 7 April 2024 - 1 year of job rejections over 100 declines. I left my home country in Africa for better prospects and stability. It’s very demotivating as to be discriminated. Rejections are redirection and gods protection 🙏🏼 I will never give up as my skills are unique and with over 65 certifications to my name I deserve the best👏🏽 yes I have networked. But I know god has the best job for me 💪🏽resilience and will power 🙏🏼 Txs Erica ❤️

[iloveyoumadhuri]

This would make a great storybook or memoir! I’m happy for this woman!!!

[NicoleYoshihara]

It’s tough out here 😢 let’s keep going everyone!😊❤

[nokhuthulakaruma]

Am encouraged to conquer my fear😢….thank you so much …keep doing this❤

[NthazaRantso]

Great story, great insights and and great lessons. Thank you for giving me motivation to go on

[MartinPEngebraaten]

Been rejected for 16 months now.
The last one really hurt as it was basically a job tailored to my experience, skills and personal interests.
Idk how to keep going at this point when the absolutely most relevant job to date yet again went for another candidate.
Job search is a fulltime position in itself, and it's a job guaranteed to result in burnout.

[mercysigei]

Great talk Erica, thankyou for your encouragement🤗

[happs]

Thanks so much for these insights. Great story, great lessons, and great talk!
For someone who just started applying for her first professional jobs, this video couldn't come at a better time