Monday, February 2, 2015

Intelligent Risk Taking


After watching last night's game, I thought about how many time we (Young Professionals) make bad calls that are game changers for our careers. 

If you don't already know here's the situation. With a minute to play, second and goal @NewEnglandPatriots 1 yard line, Russell Wilson threw an interception instead of handing it off to Marshawn Lynch. Game Over.

There will be plenty of times in your career where you will have to face a decision. Be prepared to take on risk but make sure it is intelligent risk.

In Reid Hoffman's "The Start-Up of You", he talks about taking on intelligent risk in order to find opportunities that others will miss. Here is an excerpt from his book:

Make Reversible, Small Bets

Occasional missteps are to be expected when you take this experimental approach to career planning. It's the "error" part of trial and error. But these errors needn't be permanent. Good Plan A's can be stooped or reversed or morphed into a Plan B. A good Plan A minimizes the cost of failure. Don't bet the farm. Iterate bit by bit, learn experience by experience. Start with a trial period. Keep your day job. ABZ planning embraces recoverable failure so long as it generates real lessons.

Taking this approach will allow you to take on a new opportunity without compromising your current career path. Next time you are thinking about switching career paths try following before quitting your job.

1. Volunteer
2. Intern
3. Start a Blog
4. Network
5. Take a class

By doing this you will be more informed and will be able to mitigate any risk you are confronted with. 

"I can accept failure. Everybody fails at something. But I can't accept not trying. Fear is an illusion." -- Michael Jordan

Don't be afraid to try, take intelligent risks!

Photo Courtesy: decaedere.com


Thursday, January 29, 2015

Network: Use Your College/University Network To Land Your First Job


College seniors (Class of 2015) you have four months left before graduation. Make them count! If you haven't realized it by now your campus is filled with networking opportunities that will help you land your first job as a recent graduate. Here are 5 ways to maximize your chances:

1. Classroom
Sure it might be tempting to skip that 8:00 A.M. class but don't overlook the potential in the classroom. Connect with students who've had internships and find out how they have attained their opportunities.

2. Professional Organizations
Use these organizations to gain leadership, volunteer and fundraising experience to help build your resume. You will also gain access to other successful members nationwide. 

3. Fraternities & Sororities
Did you know that besides the crazy weekend parties and alumni mixers, your brotherhood and sisterhood can help you connect with industry experts? In fact, try joining your Greek Organization LinkedIn group. In these private groups well-established and mid-career members will share news, updates and job postings. It is not enough to just join the LinkedIn group. Be an active member and connect and send messages.

Start by introducing yourself as a graduating senior who is seeking an entry-level position. Search through members and you might find that one of your brothers or sisters is working at your dream company. This should connection will help you gain access to valuable information.

4. Career Services
Most colleges and universities will offer career assistance through programs such as: 

Career Fairs - Where employers will meet with students like yourself to offer internship and full-time employment opportunities.

Professional Development Seminars - These events will host mock interviews, résumé writing support and a panel discussion with industry experts that will share knowledge with students like yourself to help you prepare for interviews. 

5. The Alumni Network
Soon you will become a member of this alumni network. Tap in what could be your one-stop-shop for many job opportunities. Through your alumni network you will be able to access many high ranking officials at Fortune 500 companies.

Don't be afraid to reach out to your network. You will be surprised to see how many want to connect with you!

You have more than enough time to prepare so don't stress. Good luck!

If you have any questions or comments please post below or find me on LinkedIn

Photo Courtesy: bnbcampus.com

About: The Author


There is little success where there is little laughter - Andrew Carnegie
I'm a travel junkie, intelligent risk taker, blogger, active networker, speaker, avid reader, engineer, philanthropist, STEM advocate and above all a young professional. From these unique experiences, I advanced as a professional and I am now prepared to share my experiences with you. My objective with this blog is to connect with students of all ages to help them achieve their goals through my experiences, stories, and through lessons learned. I will write about my travels, making powerful connections, following your dreams and the challenges faced by young professionals. I aim to leverage my professional background/expertise to connect with other industry experts and professionals who share my vision and passion in order to become a leader in ……. well I’m still figuring this out (permanent beta – Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha). 




I hope you enjoyed my introduction and video profile. Let the blogging begin! 

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