Jennifer Ishida Basco
Career Coach
#Leader #Mover #Educator #Photographer #Nikkeijin #日系人
Email:
Working Regions:
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
and Remotely all over the world
Languages Spoken
English, Japanese
英語・​日本語
Social Links:
A Bit About Me
As for many people, it was rather difficult for me to settle on a course of study in university. But unlike many people, it wasn't because nothing interested me - it was because EVERYTHING interested me. I was constantly fascinated with all the amazing jobs that people do every day. I floated between psychology, engineering, communication, and HR, and eventually graduated with my degree in the first one. Every year, I spent a lot of time in the school's Career Center, reading all the little cards that described possible careers, possible futures, possible dreams. My dream was to someday work there, or someplace like it.
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Since then, I've worked in jobs I loved, jobs I felt stuck at, and jobs that made me sick to my stomach to go to. I remember the feeling of misery each day, dragging myself to a job that felt empty and meaningless, and the joy of going to work to do something meaningful and fulfilling. I've been unemployed too, and will never forget the feeling of vulnerability, and how it shook my confidence and clarity.
In all of my jobs though, I always gravitated towards teaching and helping people. I get so excited by learning about what people do, and I am always asking people "What do you love about your job? What do you hate? What would you do if money was no object?" I thrive on networking and socializing, so I'm never afraid to get in touch with a hiring manager and start asking the real questions, like "What's the point of a cover letter to you? Do you actually read them? When should a candidate follow up with you?"
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Like my mother, and Aristotle too, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that my experiences have led me to the perfect place at which I am today. Driven by my curiosity for all kinds of careers, and a passion to help others find theirs, I am excited to apply what I've learned in my life to help you with yours.
Work Experience - AKA: Lessons Learned
May 2014
October 2014 - June 2015
September 2015 - July 2017
July 2017 - July 2021
October 2021 - December 2022
April 2023 - Present
Graduated from UCCS with a BA in Psychology, with a minor in Leadership. Took part in variety of cultural and leadership clubs.
Recruiting Coordinator for ROLINC Staffing
Colorado Springs / Aurora, CO
Learned that I was not a sales-person, and that I cared way more about helping people find jobs they'd love, and not filling open positions and making $$$.
Career Services Advisor @ Arapahoe/Douglas Works!
Aurora / Centennial, CO
Discovered my passion for career advising and coaching, and immersed myself in all aspects for two years. Learned that I LOVED learning and talking about all aspects of job searching.
Assistant English Teacher for JET Program
Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Lived out my dream of working/living in Japan for 4 years. Learned what it was like to be a foreigner, and that even living abroad couldn't stop me from still giving friends (and students) career advice.
Business Development Specialist for PPBEA @ PPWFC
Colorado Springs, CO
Volunteered until they hired me! Learned how to speak to and interview several business owners each week, discovering their pain points and true desires from the workforce.
Started Silver Sparrow Coaching
Colorado Springs, CO
After taking some time away to take care of my beloved family, I decided it was time to get back to the passion I discovered in 2015. I started my own coaching business, and am living my own dream!
Stuff That Matters To Me
Community Development
Volunteering is an essential part of my development, and have regularly volunteered my time over the years. Most recently, I've given my time to organizations like JASSC, Care and Share, and the UCCS Pre-Collegiate Program.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
I think that diversity is what makes our workplaces rich. I try to keep a beginner's mindset on all things EDI, and welcome personal stories while also trying to stay educated on my own. I am also a proud advocate for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Japanese Language / Culture
I've founded two Japanese language clubs, and have served on several JA and inter-cultural boards. I love Japanese language and culture, and try to share what I've learned with others.
