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Good Afternoon,
What a week! We finished classes for on-campus students, online students are about to start the summer term, and graduation is right around the corner! The end of April also means it is almost Summer. And in the career world summer can mean starting new things, a new job upon graduation, a new job in general, and internship (maybe your PWE?!?), and all of that newness can leave you worried about belonging, knowing what you should do, how to dress, expectations, etc.
I thought about this recently in a race I did the other weekend. I competed in my first triathlon (I also felt this way in my first trail race), but I worried about what to wear, what to bring, when I got to the race, how to act, and when to put on my wetsuit (that by the way was for sailing and NOT good for swimming). I wasn't sure I belonged there, wasn't sure I had it in me to do the race (admittedly I'd only started training a month prior - some of you may have seen me heading out or coming back from my lunch swims!). But until the race started, and even when I first jumped in the water (and couldn't breathe) I wondered, what am I doing here. Then I made it to the bike, which felt more comfortable, I'd at least done the distance recently, and I started to feel like I fit it, I could do it. Then came the run, and I flew (at least for me), I was in my comfort zone. I finished the race and know I can do it again if I want to. This is very similar to starting a new job or internship.
When you start that new job/internship, you may face some similar feelings, can I do it, do I know how to do what they need me to, what do I wear, how do I know where/when to go to lunch (all of those expectations and understandings of how your prior work/coursework has prepared you for the job/internship)! You get there and start, it may feel awkward at first, but just like my race, once you start doing the work, what you've prepared for, you'll start to feel that confidence in yourself and your role! Starting new things is hard, but eventually you'll find that you have the skills and experiences to do the job and will continue to grow your confidence as you grow your career!
In this Career Digest, I will share a few professional development opportunities, which will include conferences and workshops, upcoming events, and a few resources.
I am always available to discuss your career goals, help with your Professional Development Plan, and/or review your resume/cover letter, help with your job search, and/or help as you negotiate a job offer. Wherever you are in the program or in your professional journey, I'd love to connect and help you develop your plan for next steps!
Lastly, don't forget to connect to the Microsoft Teams Career Services and Professional Development Team - access teams through Heelmail. We encourage you all to engage in the conversation in the teams group, ask questions, answer questions, share resources, etc. In addition to the team group, I am available for individual chat through MS teams - chat me anytime.
Allison
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