Rooted in Relationships: Julie Dalrymple’s Job Search Success Story

When Julie Dalrymple moved to Oregon from California a decade ago, things didn’t go as planned as she applied to nonprofit roles. Without a local network or a feel for the landscape, it took time to find her footing. But she found her path in the wine industry by building relationships and eventually landed her first Executive Director role at the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation. Here is her story.

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for? 

I am the Executive Director of the Willamette Valley Wine Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. We are dedicated to enhancing the homes, health, and livelihoods of workers in our wine-growing communities through targeted projects with strategic partners.

I started this job about six months ago, after four years as Membership & Partnership Director for the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. I have a background in nonprofits and deep roots in the wine industry, so this was a natural fit for my career. It’s my first Executive Director position, and I was nervous to make that leap, but I know the importance of challenging myself, so I went for it and am learning something new every day.

What do you like best about your career? 

Connection is important to me, and many of the people I’ve met along my career path have become lifelong friends. As a team, you go through so much together, and that can provide unexpected and lasting bonds. 

I also appreciate the unexpected paths my career has taken, and how every choice has provided insight and growth opportunities. Even the decisions that didn’t pan out guided me toward something positive. I’ve learned to trust the process and gain what I can from every experience. 

What resources ​have helped you in your career and your job searches? Are there specific tools or tactics that have contributed to your success?

Much of my career path has been shaped by relationships I’ve cultivated along the way. I’ve made it a priority to build genuine connections, and that has made all the difference — pointing me toward new opportunities, offering perspective when I needed it most, and opening doors I didn’t even know existed. Never underestimate what one good conversation can set in motion.

Also, of course, I keep an eye on everything from Macs List to LinkedIn. These platforms are powerful tools to help expand and deepen opportunities. I’ve found it important to maintain an active and professional social media presence. Often, this is how you get on people’s radar and stay relevant. I’ve had several friendships – and some jobs – begin with a seed planted online.

Throughout your career, what obstacles have you encountered when doing a job search, and how did you overcome them? 

When I first moved to Oregon from California a decade ago, I was rejected from every nonprofit job that I applied for. It was devastating and really set me back. I didn’t yet have a network here, and I wasn’t familiar with the landscape. It took quite a while to find my place and my people in Oregon (which turned out to be in the wine industry), but once I did, I ran with it — and my job search success in 2017 was even featured on a podcast with Mac himself. 

COVID was another setback, where I lost a job that I loved. I took that opportunity to start my own marketing consulting business, which was successful, but I learned that I don’t love working for myself (big lesson!). So, I continued to network and stay involved in the community, and I found the right opportunity that led to a job I loved even more.

What piece of advice would you give to job seekers or professionals trying to advance in their careers? 

Don’t be shy! Get out there and talk to everyone you can about your goals. Cultivate your network. Ask potential mentors to meet for coffee and learn from their experiences. Attend events. Strike up conversations — you never know what doors may open. 

Find your people. This may take some time, but follow your interests to find a role that feels right for you. Talk to the people doing the work you admire and find ways to get involved. That may mean starting with volunteering or taking a position that is lower than you’d like. Learn all you can, gain experience, and accept new challenges. That’s how you grow. 

Speaking of which… accept those challenges and take some risks! Change can be scary, but those are the times when you’ll grow the most. Of course, pay attention to your instinct and your heart, but don’t get in your own way. There are endless possibilities if you are willing to take some chances.