How to Build the Confidence and Skills Necessary to Succeed in a Challenging Job Market

For Karen Giampolo, her career path took her in a direction she never imagined. Her career kicked off with a curiosity about how things work and an unwavering passion for problem-solving.

While she initially set out to become a Certified Public Accountant—drawn by the rigor and structure of the field—she quickly realized her interest in working with people and technology. After completing a course in information systems, she was introduced to the possibilities that technology offered, and she pivoted to majoring in Management Information Systems.

“What excites me most about digital technology and data is their power to transform how we live and work,” Karen says. “The pace of innovation, especially with AI, is exhilarating. I thrive in environments where change is constant, and people are empowered to shape how new technologies impact our business and our customers. Every day, I see technology as a catalyst for progress, and I’m motivated to keep learning and adapting alongside it.”

Flash forward to today, and Karen combines her passion for problem-solving with people and her knack for emerging technologies. She is Senior Director of Digital Technology for the MSC Supply Chain’s Transportation and Procurement team at Cargill.

“Cargill has been on my short list since college,” she says. “Its mission to nourish the world resonates with how I want to use technology: to enable resilient, ethical systems that make everyday life better … I am energized by the depth of the business and the opportunity to modernize how we plan, move, and procure so our operations are more reliable, data‑driven, and customer‑focused.”

Karen interviewed at Cargill earlier in her career and, years later, the pull never faded for her. “Not now” didn’t mean “not ever,” which led her to seek out new opportunities with the company years later.

“Cargill is a place where my experience in strategy and transformation can create tangible value,” she explains.

Here, Karen shares her career journey leading up to her role at Cargill and the advice she has for other women paving their own paths in a complicated and challenging job market.

My favorite thing about working at Cargill is the sense of purpose and community that runs through everything we do. Every day, I get to collaborate with talented colleagues from around the world, all united by a mission to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. The diversity of perspectives here makes us stronger, and I’m inspired by how much people genuinely care about each other’s success and well-being.

Cargill’s culture is built on trust, respect, and a commitment to inclusion. It’s a place where you can grow, make a difference, and be part of something bigger than yourself.

What I find most rewarding about my work is seeing the real-world impact of the technology we build. It’s incredibly fulfilling to collaborate with talented teams and witness how our innovations make a difference for people everywhere.

The most challenging aspect is navigating the pace of transformation. I’m naturally impatient and want to see results quickly, but I’ve learned that meaningful change takes time. The ‘messy middle’ can be tough, but it’s also where growth happens. Staying focused on the long-term vision and supporting my team through uncertainty helps us move forward, even when the work gets complicated.

Agriculture and food are foundational to our quality of life. What makes this industry unique is its complexity and its global impact. From the field to the table, every step is shaped by innovation, local context, and constant change.

My connection to this sector is personal. Both my parents grew up on farms, and I spent much of my childhood connected to agricultural communities.

What draws me back to the agriculture and food industry is the sense of purpose. The mission to feed the world isn’t just a vision, it’s a daily call to action that requires creativity, resilience, and collaboration. For anyone considering a tech career, this sector offers the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, every single day.

My career has spanned a wide range of companies, each with its own culture and challenges. This diversity has taught me three essential lessons that shape how I lead today:

1. Adaptability over uniformity: There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. What succeeds in one environment must often be adapted to another. I approach each challenge with curiosity and a willingness to adjust my strategy.
2. Flexibility fuels progress: Being open to change allows me to move quickly and stay positive, even when plans shift. I focus on solutions rather than getting stuck on setbacks.
3. Resilience is a superpower: Change is constant in the tech industry. Embracing it—and helping my team do the same—makes us stronger and more valuable to the organization

One of the most defining moments in my life was becoming a mother at 16. That experience fundamentally shaped my perspective. For me, growth and transformation became non-negotiable. I learned early on that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, but about moving forward with purpose, no matter the circumstances.

Throughout my career, I’ve faced personal and professional challenges that have strengthened my adaptability. Each new role and company brought its own set of changes, and I’ve come to see change not as a setback, but as an opportunity to learn and evolve. I focus on staying open-minded, seeking out new experiences, and supporting others through transitions. These habits have helped me build teams that thrive in uncertainty and keep moving toward our goals.

I believe that staying relevant in technology means being a lifelong learner. I’m constantly seeking out new knowledge, whether through books, podcasts, conversations with colleagues, or hands-on experiences. I make it a habit to step outside my comfort zone and explore emerging trends, especially in digital and data.

I’ve also been intentional about making career moves across different industries. Each transition has broadened my perspective and helped me approach challenges with fresh eyes. By combining continuous learning with strategic pivots, I’ve built a diverse toolkit that allows me to adapt quickly, embrace new technologies, and make informed decisions about where I can have the greatest impact.

The current market is challenging, and that’s exactly when relationships matter most. I focus on staying connected and being useful—making introductions, reviewing resumes, and coaching when someone reaches out.

Every candidate brings a unique mix of skills. The key is finding the company where your perspective unlocks value. Regardless of role, any hiring manager seeks candidates who can demonstrate resilience. The ability to develop and demonstrate a mindset to keep learning, delivering, and showing up for others is a skill that has been and will continue to be valued.

This is super hard! Confidence is a skill you build by aligning each move to your long‑term goals and by speaking clearly about the value you create.

I’ve learned to avoid “just taking” lateral steps that don’t grow my scope or skills. Each role must expand my leadership or technical depth. Self‑advocacy isn’t bragging; it’s clarity. Set your bar, communicate it, and choose roles that keep you on your path.

Take the leap if you can. Most of us don’t “decide on a career” once. We discover it by following energy and impact. I started college aiming for accounting and graduated with a degree in MIS. Over time, I’ve learned what lights me up: strategy, transformation, and leading big, hairy efforts. I’ve hired exceptional people with backgrounds in teaching, engineering, and philosophy. Diverse experiences make stronger teams. Don’t undersell your story; connect your skills to outcomes and let curiosity be your compass.