Find Your People!

Robin Boswell, Director of Graduate Student Career Development at the Belk College at UNC Charlotte, put it best..."Find Your People." Now for the subsequent question: "WHO are my people?" Well to answer that question, one has to perform an internal search. But before we do that, let’s look at the obvious questions first: What do you see in the mirror? Are you male or female? Do you belong to a particular ethnic background(s)? What generation or age bracket do you belong to? These answers should narrow your list to about 20 organizations.

Now time for the internal search: “What industry interests you? What career field/industry are you looking to pursue or currently in? Where is your targeted audience? Now take these answers to Google. Most likely the combination of answers from the above paragraph and the subsequent questions narrowed your list to 5 or less organizations. (At least it did for me with the help of Robin. *smile*)

Answering these questions created my networking foundation. It gave me peace of mind that I am not wandering aimlessly through the Charlotte business community. With Robin’s help, I created a targeted list of local and national organizations that will assist me in my field of interest. Now onto the second half once you find your people…network. (Not going to lie in the past, I would rather catch the plague then to network. However I’ve conquered that hurdle. I’m ready to tackle upcoming events b/c I have a FOCUS!)

I would like to pass on a book recommendation to you: "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. This book was recommended to me by a manager at a branding firm. For those who run when they hear the word "networking" like I did this is for you.

So….FIND YOUR PEOPLE & Enjoy your weekend!

Self Reflection

Over the last seven days, I participated in two independent recruiting events on behalf of the Belk College of Business Graduate Programs. The first event was a Graduate School Fair at Johnson C. Smith University, a HBCU located in Uptown Charlotte, NC and the second an information session held on UNC Charlotte's main campus.

The graduate school fair reminded me of how daunting the GMATS were to tackle. I will be honest; taking the GMAT was something I was hoping to avoid. I remember taking the GMAT test for the first time and being disappointed that I did not score the same as I did on practice tests. I was adamant about not taking the test again. I mean who wants to shell out another $250 but then I quickly reminded myself of my long term career goals. (How quickly I tend to forget at times *smile*)

Yesterday's information session was an excellent turnout. The event was held in the Friday building in which majority of students were interested in the MBA program. Questions varied from GMAT scores, time commitment, class size, and of course the infamous question COST. From an out of state student’s perspective, UNC Charlotte's cost is attractive. The value of my degree is an estimated $55K and I am not only paying half this price. (After going to the most expensive undergraduate program in the country...this is GREAT news to hear!)

I'm happy I had the opportunity in the last week to attend these two events. Both sessions reminded me of one of reasons why I chose UNC Charlotte's program. I've only been in Charlotte and in school a little over a month and I must say that I am proud 49ner. The faculty members here are resourceful and you definitely gain a sense of community. In addition, the networking opportunities are countless. (I have already met with two businesses in my industry of interest.) Who else can say that?
Needless to say yesterday, I left campus feeling proud and reminded I made one of the best decisions in my career & life:)

Market Yourself in Resumes & Online Seminar

This week in grad life, I attended a career development seminar conducted by Robin Boswell, Director of Career Development at the Belk College. At first, I was slightly hesitant in regards to attending this seminar because I felt that it was “too early” in my career. However I quickly talked myself out of that one. I’m a graduate business student. It is never too early. :-)

Key touchpoints from this hour long session included the “hidden job market,” key words, and resume manipulation. My personal takeaway was uncovering what makes “ME” unique from the hundreds/thousands candidates out there. That is a question that I honestly do not know the answer too but Robin posed a good point. It may take some time to think about the answer however that is one of the major points in order to be successful in marketing yourself. If one does not know how the answer to this question, how can you convince a potential employer to hire you from the remaining job applicants.

As we know everything is digital. So to keep up with the digital trend, why not do a Video CV? (Never thought about this as well).

This seminar was an excellent reminder not only for business school students but anyone considering a career change or a new company. In today’s times, it is easy to get discouraged or think that “You” know everything there is to know about the job search. But who knows everything. (Well I thought I did when I was 8. No lie. Another long story).

This is was an excellent seminar for prospective, current students, alumni, and the Charlotte community. Just another way, UNC Charlotte connects the Charlotte community! (I’m not just saying this).