COVID-19's Impact on the Job Search process

2020 was a year filled with uncertainty and new normals.  Our society adapted to a new way to educate our children, stay connected to friends and family and perform our jobs.  The pandemic also changed how companies hired and how job seekers thought about starting new positions.  Let's hear from one of our new Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) colleagues, who decided to jump in with both feet and brave the new hiring process.

Meet Joshua

Joshua Burke began his career with FMCNA in May of 2020 as a Talent Acquisition Manager.  Being a recent job seeker himself, Joshua understand first hand what the experience is like, especially during the pandemic and how to make it as seamless as possible for other job seekers looking to join our company. Read on to learn more about Joshua's experience both looking for a new job as well as how he makes an impact for those he hires.

Let's hear what Josh had to say:

Q: Why did you join the FMCNA team?

A: FMCNA gave me an opportunity to continue my career growth at an organization with an incredible mission. Mission focused work is non-negotiable for me – I can’t ask someone to come work with me if I don’t believe in the work we’re doing. At FMCNA, I wake up every day knowing that the talented folks I find to join our Digital Technology & Innovation (DTI) group are going to make a real impact on the lives of our patients and our staff.

Q: What was your experience like beginning a new career during a pandemic?

A: I was laid off at the end of March because of the expected impact of COVID on my previous company’s hiring plans. I was worried about finding a recruiting role when most companies were cutting back or freezing their hiring entirely. Fortunately, I was referred to the FMCNA team where I really found kindred spirits in the people I met.  One of the most important aspects of any job search for me is to go somewhere that I’ll be working for someone I can really learn from and it was obvious from my first conversation that my current manager, Sara Douglas, was the type of mentor I needed at this stage of my career. That and the amazing work that FMCNA is doing in healthcare were reasons enough for me to come on-board.  We may not have had the typical in person interactions, but I was still able to be face to face through technology and meet my future team and leader.  

Q: The pandemic has required us to all adjust our daily routine.  How are you adjusting to staying safe?  Is there anything you are doing to help maintain both safety and/or connection during this time?

A: I had some experience working with remote teams earlier in my career but I had never been fully remote. When I started with FMCNA, I was living in a one bedroom apartment in Boston – no car, no separate space if both my fiancée and I were on calls. What made a huge difference was finding a small space in our apartment that I defined as my work space. In the morning I kept a routine – get ready for the day, have breakfast, and sit down at the same space at my kitchen table to get to work. This allowed me to feel more of a separation between the work day and leisure time. I am fortunate in that I can do my job from anywhere, and the past six months have really demonstrated to me just how helpful flexibility could be in the future beyond the pandemic.  We all need to do our part to keep ourselves and others safe, working remote may not be ideal but we make it work.

Q: What would you tell anyone hesitant about starting a new career during this pandemic?

A: Many companies, including FMCNA, are still thinking about the future. If you have a skillset that is in demand, you will find something. Seek out forward thinking organizations of all sizes and make a human connection with someone already on their team – they may be the key to the next ten years of your career. There is a lot of technology that allows us to still "connect" with each other virtually so we can learn about career opportunities and speak with hiring leaders while staying safe.  

Q: How do you feel that your role is a "vital part" in supporting our patients and our company?

A: I have the privilege of introducing talented people to FMCNA on a daily basis. My job is to ensure we have the staff we need to provide our patients and staff with the best possible technical and digital experience. In recruiting, our impact is very indirect, but very rewarding when we get to watch our new hires grow and make an impact on the core mission of the company.

Q: How do you feel that you have a powerful effect in you role or have been a partner in caring?

A: At FMCNA, I am ultimately the bridge that allows great talent to help us grow as an organization. I know that without me or my team, it would put a significant burden on our DTI leadership to get the people they need to accomplish our goals. That feels powerful.  While I don’t have the opportunity to work directly with patients or clinical staff, I do get to see the impact made by the people I hire into the organization, and that connection has always been something I value.

Q: Describe an experience or feeling that stands out when thinking of your career with FMCNA?

A: Professional Growth with Personal Meaning is something that speaks to me directly. I started my career in industries I didn’t have a personal investment in, and while I got to work with amazing people, I always felt something was missing. I just was never truly satisfied in my work. A few years into my career I found my way into the non-profit world, and subsequently into healthcare, and my entire life changed. I really believed in my work – genuinely believed, in a way I never had before. Recruiters wear a lot of hats – salesperson, project manager, customer support. Having started my career in sales, I can say with confidence that selling something you truly believe in feels like a completely different job. Knowing I can help make an impact on the lives of patients – even if indirectly – gives me something of a second motor inside, that kicks in when things get tough and drives me forward. I could never go back now – I need that personal connection to my work to be successful as a professional.

About Fresenius Medical Care

We have become a global leader in healthcare because of the unwavering dedication our people bring to work every day. Whether that means developing new-to-market dialysis technology or educating patients, our team touches the lives of more than 190,000 patients through innovative care and profound, personal connections.

With Fresenius Medical Care North America, you will “be the difference,” enabling patients to thrive, providing comfort to families, supporting coworkers so they can realize their goals, compelling our company to achieve through innovation and performance, and driving the development of your career.

Our team is made up of over 70,000 dedicated employees in North America. All of them focus on being the difference and delivering the highest-quality care to people with kidney disease – helping them to lead longer, better, and healthier lives.