Robert Reffkin has done more before he turned 30 than most people would dream of accomplishing in a lifetime, and he is just getting started. While in high school, he established his own business and amassed a six-figure income. In 2005-6, he was a White House Fellow at 26 years old. Recently he raised $20 million to establish a stream-lined real estate site, Compass.com, that allows brokers, agents, home buyers and renters find the the perfect residence. He has run 50 marathons, one in each state, to raise $1 million for charity with his Running to Support Young Dreams.
Recognizing the value of opportunities for youth so they may develop their lives with the most gratifying careers, Robert has taken the time to answer 5 questions about New York Needs You, a program to help youth recognize their immeasurable value by opening options for them to develop their limitless potential.
1. How is the debt accrued through the cost of higher educations effecting the professional world and the choices of careers for recent graduates?
I’ve seen a lot of students pursue careers in industries like finance that can often be more lucrative early on. Unfortunately this means that jobs in the public or non-profit sector could be neglected in the face of traditionally higher-paying institutions. It also could mean less of “following your passion,” which I think is important at all stages of your career.
2. In addition to a college diploma, what are businesses and corporations seeking in their candidates for employment?
Hiring has become an important part of my job since founding my company, Urban Compass. I like to look at hiring through three “tests” – the airport test, the glass half-full test, and the shower test. While ch
aracteristics like past internships and grades are obviously important to me, I’ve found that these three tests have guided my hiring more than anything else. The airport test gets at the candidates overall personality – would you want to spend four hours stuck at the airport with this person? The glass half-full test helps me understand their outlook – do they see the world as opportunities or as problems? The third test is the shower test – is the candidate passionate about the problem we’re solving? Do they think about work all the time, even in the shower?
3. As New York Needs You has grown through the years, how has it developed and what new programs are offered to the organization’s Fellows?
New York Needs You has grown tremendously since I started the organization in 2009. We were founded with the mission of mobilizing a movement of young professional volunteers to assist low-income, first-generation college students in realizing their college and career ambitions. Over the past five years, we have worked with hundreds of students through our flagship Fellows Program. This is a two-year program that offers 200 students (Fellows) career development workshops, internships and professional development grants. Fellows are also matched one-on-one with successful and motivated professionals (Mentor Coaches) from a variety of industries. Some new developments include expanding to New Jersey (2012), launching a Career Development Program (2012) where we work with the general student body at under-resourced college campuses and expanding our internship program.
4. As members of a community prosper, the entire community benefits. How has the success of the fellows of the organizations benefited the communities from which those fellows emerged?
At New York Needs You, we definitely believe in the multiplier effect. Our Fellows are incredibly successful – over 96% have stayed in school and 98% have secured jobs or have enrolled in grad school – and they give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Whether passing along key Fellowship learnings to their families, mentoring their peers, spreading awareness about the unique issues faced by first generation students or even starting their own non-profits, our Fellows have made a huge impact on their communities.
5. How is the business world strengthened by allowing opportunities to people from diverse backgrounds?
My personal and professional experiences have led me to believe that diverse opportunities with diverse people force you to learn and grow. I think this applies to businesses as well. The more diverse the team – in terms of background, skill set, etc. – the more opportunity for growth.
Garrett Buhl Robinson lives in New York City. www.garrettrobinson.us
