In the earliest stages of a career, often the most difficult obstacle to getting a job is a lack of previous work experience. It’s a catch-22 — to get your first job, you need to have had a job already.
However, for the determined early-career professional, getting to the interview may be as easy as finding a hiring team with a more welcoming approach. On the hiring team at logistics provider MoLo Solutions, Meg Thorp explains that a potential candidate’s education and background are secondary to the practical skills they can bring to an open role. With a thorough training program to get new hires up to speed, MoLo Solutions put the power in employees’ hands to accelerate their new careers at the earliest possible stages.
Recent graduates and other early-career workers bring fresh energy into the workplace, and businesses that invest in their continued education and growth help keep that energy alive. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report, seven in ten employees say learning improves their sense of connection to their organization and adds purpose to their work. By creating a welcoming environment for early-career workers and supporting them with on-the-job training and other career-development opportunities, businesses are helping shape a new generation of talented and engaged employees.
Built In spoke with Thorp to understand the MoLo Solutions approach to bringing in early-career hires and the advice she has for recent graduates looking for their next career move.
MoLo Solutions offers truckload brokerage services that help shippers and carriers connect to deliver products successfully.
How does MoLo Solutions approach recruiting new college grads?
MoLo is committed to visiting various college campuses across the Midwest every semester to promote our brand and share career opportunities with students. What I love about recruiting at MoLo is that we don’t require a specific major or background to succeed here. Instead, we focus on understanding your unique skill set to determine if you’d thrive in the role and within the industry. To support this, we offer a comprehensive training program that covers the logistics industry, teaches you how to use our transportation management software and provides effective sales techniques for building strong partnerships and delivering top-notch service.
“What I love about recruiting at MoLo is that we don’t require a specific major or background to succeed here.”
What supports, structures or benefits does MoLo Solutions offer early-career hires?
MoLo is proud to be recognized as one of Chicago’s top workplaces in Built In Chicago’s 2024 Best Places to Work, with an incredible culture in the heart of Fulton Market. Our people are at the core of our success, and we foster a workplace that celebrates diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences — creating the best environment for our employees and the best service for our customers. Features like an open floor plan encourage collaboration across teams, while the secret gardens provide greenery-filled corridors and cozy seating for moments to unplug and recharge. Additionally, we have common areas with amenities like pool tables and shuffleboard, offering opportunities to take a break, clear your mind and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting.
Beyond office perks, we prioritize health and well-being with benefits designed to support you now and in the future. These include financial incentives such as a 401(k) match, generous paid time off, various leave options and continuous career-development opportunities.
What advice do you have for a recent or upcoming grad for the job search and interview process? How can they stand out to hiring managers?
Taking on a new sales position in an unfamiliar industry can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. At MoLo, we have extremely supportive trainers, senior reps and managers committed to your success.
That said, I encourage all new graduates who join our team to be proactive and stay curious — shadow experienced reps and ask questions. Take advantage of mentorship opportunities and seek advice from more tenured colleagues throughout every stage of the training process. Success in sales here is all about building relationships internally and externally and fostering true partnerships with our carrier and customer partners. Focus on how you communicate and your ability to adapt in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, and always be ready to learn!
