Rachel
Epstein

When people think about growth, they usually imagine big milestones such as graduating, landing a job, or starting something new. While those moments matter, I've started to realize that the smaller, less obvious moments have had just as much of an impact on who I am becoming.

Over the past few years, I've had the opportunity to work in different environments, including real estate and startup recruiting, while also being a full-time student studying entrepreneurship at the University of Miami. None of these experiences alone completely define my path, but each one has contributed something valuable. What stands out most are not the major achievements, but the subtle moments in between, like the conversations, the challenges, and the times I felt unsure.

One of those moments was walking into a new professional environment for the first time. There is always a period where everything feels unfamiliar: new people, new expectations, and a constant question in the back of your mind about whether you belong. I remember feeling out of place at times, especially when I was surrounded by people with more experience. But over time, I started to realize that feeling uncomfortable wasn't a sign that I didn't belong, as it was a sign that I was learning. That shift in perspective changed how I approached new opportunities. Instead of avoiding situations where I felt unsure, I started leaning into them.

Another small but meaningful moment came through something as simple as speaking up. Earlier on, whether in class discussions or professional settings, I often hesitated before sharing my thoughts. I worried about saying the wrong thing or not sounding as informed as others. However, there were a few instances where I pushed myself to contribute anyway. Each time, I realized that my perspective still added value, even if it wasn't perfect. Those moments helped me build confidence gradually, not all at once, but step by step.

I've also learned a lot from observing how people interact in different industries. In real estate, relationships and trust are everything. In recruiting, understanding people and their goals is just as important as understanding the role itself. These observations didn't come from one major realization, but from many small interactions with watching how conversations were handled, how decisions were made, and how people built credibility over time. Those details have shaped how I think about business and the kind of professional I want to become.

There have also been moments of uncertainty that have quietly influenced me. Not knowing exactly what I want to do long-term used to feel like something I needed to fix immediately. But over time, I've started to see it differently. Those in-between moments, where I'm still figuring things out, have allowed me to explore different paths and understand what actually interests me. Instead of rushing into a decision, I've learned to focus on gaining experience and learning from each step.

What I've come to understand is that growth rarely happens in one defining moment. It happens in smaller, often overlooked experiences that slowly build on each other. A conversation that changes your perspective, a situation that pushes you out of your comfort zone, or a moment where you choose to speak up, and these are the things that stick with you.

Looking ahead, I don't expect everything to suddenly become clear through one big breakthrough. Instead, I've learned to pay attention to the smaller moments and what they are teaching me. They are shaping not only my skills and interests, but also my confidence and mindset. And in many ways, those are the things that will matter most over time.

When I first decided to study business, I thought I had a clear idea of what to expect. I assumed I would learn how companies operate, how money flows, and how to build something from the ground up. While that's definitely part of it, there are a lot of things I didn't fully understand going into it, and looking back, there are a few things I wish I knew earlier that would have changed how I approached everything.

One of the biggest realizations I've had is that business is much less about memorizing information and much more about how you think. I expected classes to be more straightforward: learn the material, study it, and apply it, but in reality, there isn't always one right answer. A lot of the time, it's about analyzing situations, making decisions with limited information, and explaining your reasoning. That shift was challenging at first, but it's also what makes business interesting and more realistic.

Another thing I underestimated was how important real-world experience is. Classes give you a strong foundation, but they don't fully prepare you for how things actually work. Through my experiences in real estate and recruiting, I've learned things you just can't get from a textbook, such as how to communicate with people, handle uncertainty, and recognize how quickly situations can change. Those experiences have shaped how I think about business far more than I expected.

I also went into studying business, thinking I needed to have everything figured out early by choosing what industry I wanted to go into, what job I would pursue, and how my career would look long term. But the reality is, most people don't have a clear path right away. Business is broad, and there are so many directions you can take. It takes time and exposure to different experiences to understand what actually interests you, and I've learned that it's okay not to have all the answers right away.

Something else that has stood out to me is how important relationships are in business. This is something you hear often, but it becomes much more real once you experience it. Opportunities, conversations, and growth often come from the people you meet and the connections you build over time. It's not just about networking in a transactional way, but about creating genuine relationships that can develop naturally.

Finally, I've realized that execution matters far more than just having ideas. It's easy to talk about concepts and strategies, but actually applying them is what makes the difference. Whether it's through internships, projects, or personal experiences, taking action even when things aren't perfect is where the real learning happens.

If I could go back, I wouldn't necessarily change my decision to study business, but I would approach it differently. I would focus more on gaining experience, building relationships, and staying open to uncertainty instead of trying to have everything planned out. Business isn't something you fully understand from a classroom alone, it's something you learn by doing, and I'm still figuring that out as I go.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses operate across many industries, and hiring is one of the areas most affected. What used to be a highly manual and time-consuming process is now becoming faster, more data-driven, and more efficient. Through my experience in startup recruiting, I've started to see how these changes are happening in real time and what they mean for both companies and candidates.

Traditionally, hiring has relied heavily on human judgment. Recruiters would review resumes one by one, reach out to candidates individually, and make decisions based on a combination of experience, intuition, and limited data. While this approach can still be effective, it is also time-intensive and can lead to missed opportunities. With the number of applicants increasing for many roles, especially in competitive industries, companies are looking for ways to streamline the process without sacrificing quality.

This is where artificial intelligence is starting to play a larger role. Companies are now using AI-powered tools to help source candidates, screen resumes, and even match individuals to roles based on specific skills and experiences. Platforms like LinkedIn and Greenhouse have integrated AI features that allow recruiters to quickly identify candidates who may be a strong fit, reducing the amount of time spent on manual searches. Instead of starting from scratch, recruiters can focus more on evaluating and connecting with the right people.

One of the biggest advantages of using AI in hiring is efficiency. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes. For example, AI can scan thousands of resumes and highlight candidates whose skills align closely with a job description. This allows companies, especially startups with limited resources, to move faster and make decisions more quickly. In fast-paced environments, speed can be a major competitive advantage.

However, while AI brings clear benefits, it also introduces new challenges. One concern is the risk of over-automation. Hiring is not just about matching keywords on a resume; it's about understanding people, their motivations, and how they will fit within a team. If companies rely too heavily on AI, they may overlook candidates who do not perfectly match a system's criteria but still have strong potential. There is also the issue of bias. AI systems are trained on existing data, and if that data contains biases, those biases can be reinforced rather than eliminated.

Because of this, I think the most effective approach is a balance between technology and human judgment. AI should be used as a tool to support decision-making, not replace it entirely. It can handle repetitive and data-heavy tasks, allowing recruiters to focus on the more human side of the process by building relationships, understanding candidates, and making thoughtful decisions.

Another interesting shift is how AI is changing candidates' expectations. As companies adopt more advanced tools, candidates may need to think more strategically about how they present themselves. Resumes are increasingly evaluated by algorithms, which means clarity, structure, and relevant keywords play a larger role in getting noticed. At the same time, personal connections and networking still remain important, showing that technology has not completely replaced traditional aspects of hiring.

Looking ahead, AI will likely continue to shape the future of recruiting. As these tools become more advanced, they have the potential to improve not only efficiency but also the overall hiring experience. Companies may be able to make better-informed decisions, and candidates may be matched with roles that better align with their skills and goals.

From my perspective, what makes this shift so interesting is not just the technology itself, but how it changes the way people interact with opportunities. Hiring is one of the most important functions within a business because it directly impacts growth and culture. As AI becomes more integrated into this process, understanding how to use it effectively will become an important skill for both companies and individuals.

Overall, AI is not replacing hiring; it is reshaping it. The companies that succeed will be those that learn to combine the efficiency of technology with the insight and judgment of people. And for someone like me, who is interested in both business operations and how companies grow, this is an area that continues to stand out as both relevant and evolving.