This week as part of our look at #BetterJobs, we are profiling local community leaders who've done well. How did they get there? What advice do they have for the rest of us, especially soon-to-be graduates?
We visited a Sacramento police station and Chief Sam Somers, Jr. Thursday Somers has been around police work his whole life -- his dad served with the Sacramento Police Department for 40 years.
Now in his third year as chief of police, Somers offers a unique perspective. He sees everything, the good and bad, every day in large amounts.
I asked Somers if he had a commencement speech to deliver, what would he say to grads or to anyone looking for work?
"The first thing is be passionate about whatever you do ... everybody wants to see passion. But when you show passion, that's when people know that they have someone they want to hire. The second thing is, though, before you really get into that world -- having all those responsibilities, being accountable -- go out and see the world. If you have the opportunity to go see South America, Mexico or even to China. See how the world is and how it functions. You'll be able to take those life's experiences back with you and help you grow as you get older," Somers said.
Years ago, then patrol officer Somers had an encounter with the lead guitarist for the heavy metal band "Black Sabbath." You're likely wondering at this moment, like my boss, where I'm going with this.
"I arrested the lead guitarist from Black Sabbath because he had child support [late payments]," Somers said. "It was very interesting to have that conversation with the lead guitarist from Black Sabbath: that you're trying to explain to him that they're not leaving town, and he was requesting a private room and do they have to take their clothes off and get naked and my explaining that's how it works."
We covered a lot of territory with the chief today. His career advice is to have passion for what you do and see the world before you do it. The story of the naked Black Sabbath guitarist in a jail cell was just gravy.
