Why do some people figure out their career path early—while others struggle to find the right fit?

In this episode of On the Surface, Seth Stevens sits down with Braxton Cousins to talk about his journey from intern to full-time safety professional and how hands-on experience helped him find the right path.

Braxton shares how he went from a small-town athlete focused on basketball to navigating college, internships, and ultimately building a career in construction safety. Along the way, he reflects on the power of trying new things, building relationships, and learning from real-world experience.

They explore:

• How internships can help you figure out what you do (and don’t) want to do
• Why rotating through different roles builds stronger long-term skills
• The importance of relationships and credibility early in your career
• What it’s really like working in safety—and why culture matters
• How sports and teamwork translate directly into the workplace
• Why mindset and effort matter more than having everything figured out

From lessons learned in college athletics to navigating a first full-time role, this conversation highlights a simple truth: you don’t need all the answers—you just need to start and stay open to learning.

If you’re a student, early in your career, or trying to figure out your next step, this episode offers real insight into how to gain experience and build a path forward.

Thanks for listening!

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