Careers in Community: Entering the Industry
With no specific certificate or degree path, how does one enter the community industry as a career?
Max Pete, Senior Community Lead at SuperHi with over three years of experience in community building, joined Todd Nilson in the newest episode of “Talk About Your Community” to explore how he broke into the world of community building. They go back to their beginnings to explore how he got started in this space, his first jobs, and subsequently building his network to get to where he is today.
Watch the replay below for an engaging discussion on the community professional journey!
About Max Pete
Hi, I am Max Pete, a Community Builder based in San Diego, CA. I have been working in community for over 3 years and am currently a Senior Community Lead at SuperHi which is a creative education platform. Prior to my role at SuperHi, I was the first community hire at Freelance Founders where I helped facilitate a community of freelance professionals. Back during the beginning of the pandemic, I got my start working in the community industry by accident due to job burnout, loneliness, and looking for a career reset. Now looking back, I am thankful for coming across this industry and excited to be a part of it. Beyond working in the community space, I love making playlists and mixes. I'm also very passionate about advocating for limb different people and am on the board of the non-profit organization Design With Us and a volunteer coach with Nubability.
About the Show
'Talk About Your Community' is a weekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs, and community builders. It's a platform to discuss community building and digital strategy.
Show Notes
Transitioning to a Community Career (4:17): Max Pete shares his journey from the music industry to becoming a community builder. He discovered his passion for community management when he actively participated in a freelance community, emphasizing the importance of networking with experienced community managers and seeking guidance to learn and grow in the field.
Connecting with Community Professionals (10:08): Max reached out through platforms like LinkedIn and Slack, introducing himself and expressing a desire to learn from them. His willingness to support others and offer his unique perspectives from his background in music and advertising helped him build valuable connections within the community industry.
Fostering Diverse Perspectives (29:12): Max emphasizes the value of creating psychologically safe spaces where members can challenge ideas without fear of personal attacks. This diversity of thought helps prevent echo chambers and encourages healthy debates and learning within the community.
Job Market Optimism and Networking Strategy (34:38): Max shares his optimistic outlook on the job market, acknowledging that while it can be competitive, opportunities do arise. He advises job seekers to maintain optimism, connect with professionals in their desired field, and explore unposted opportunities through networking.
The Future of Community Management (38:48): Todd asks Max about his thoughts on the future of community management. Max highlights the growth of online communities during the pandemic and the subsequent need to establish strong foundations. He believes that community will continue to play a crucial role in connecting with customers and fostering growth, albeit with a more balanced approach.
