A Letter to the Class of 2015

Dear Class of 2015,

We made it. After a few trips on the Struggle Bus, we've finally arrived at the end of our senior year at Tufts University. If you're like me, you probably thought everyone was exaggerating when they said it would go by so quickly. Looks like they were right to warn us. I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a bit taken aback that this experience is almost over. Submitting my last exam was quite surreal... Now that Commencement is so close the sentimental feelings have quickly escalated.

Even as a writer, it's hard to find the words to describe what I'm feeling right now. Sadness? Fear? Excitement? Relief? Pride? A bit of each, probably. I can say that these past four years have been an important era in my life. They probably have been for you as well. Looking back, I'm sure you can't even count the ways you've changed and grown as a person. I hope that you can be proud in knowing that you have transformed into a better version of yourself, who is stronger and wiser than you have ever been. You deserve to feel accomplished.

"But I don't have a job yet, Kelly!!!", a purely hypothetical example of a panicked senior might exclaim in response.

They look exactly like this.
Source

First of all, hypothetical panicked senior, I want you to relax. Take a long, deep breath, okay? Everything will be alright. Not having a job by graduation is not the end of the world. In today's job market, finding a job at the drop of a hat isn't the easiest thing. Sometimes it's a matter of applying to the right job at the right time, and luck might play at least a small part. Your friends who do have jobs already are not somehow better than you, trust me. Don't feel like you're failing at some contest to see who can become employed first. You've already succeeded in so many other aspects at life! The diploma you're about to receive is proof.

Finding a job can be very stressful, but I encourage you to stay hopeful and continue your job search. Keep in mind that you never have to do it alone! The Career Center is here to help even after you graduate.

If this is you in a couple of months, the Career Center will not judge.
Source

Since this blog's foundation has been to share experiences and pass on advice, I will leave you with some bits of wisdom that I've managed to acquire over the past four years. Hopefully you can relate somehow. We'll start off with the biggest lesson I've learned in college. Time to get a little personal (not like I haven't already gone into TMI territory with this blog, let's be honest).

Before my junior year, I was doing a really bad job at treating myself with the same kindness I afford other people. I was --  and truthfully, still am -- my own biggest critic. I just didn't feel as successful as all the people around me. I fell into this deadly trap of constantly comparing myself, only to fall short of the ever-elusive perfection I sought. It took me a very long time to realize that perfection is not a destination that any person has ever arrived to. I learned, through a lot of struggle and reflection, that what I needed to focus on was steady improvement -- and not perfection.

I know from talking to peers that this challenge is one that many college/Tufts students face. Maybe you still feel this way from time to time, even as graduation looms. I definitely don't have a quick solution, as it's still a work in progress for me, but I believe that taking small steps can lead to big changes. I've become who I am now thanks to the little experiences I've had each day.

I'm choosing to look back at college as one really long transformation sequence.
Source (s/o to Sailor Moon fans)

Nowadays, I've dedicated myself to being my own biggest cheerleader. It's something that you can do, too! After all, you are the one who will always be there for yourself. Especially in this time of great change, it's important to value who you are. You've come such a long way since you arrived on campus. You are not who you were freshman year, and that's more than okay.

I also advise you all to take some time to reflect on these past four years. I know it's probably felt like an overwhelming whirlwind, but allow yourself to step back and re-examine. Beyond the loads of knowledge from the classroom, I'm sure that you've acquired skills that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Nurture those skills, and know that learning new things is not something that will end once you're handed a diploma.

Something that also won't end after graduation? Friendships. Sure, you might be moving away from a lot of the friends you've made here, but it's not like they'll disappear off the face of the Earth. We live in an age where you can talk to anyone at the tap of a button. Take advantage of that fact. We're digital natives after all, we shouldn't take our savvyness for granted. Keep those friendships alive, as I'm sure they've been meaningful. Skype dates galore!

Finally, I want to sincerely thank you all for reading my posts and joining me on the adventure that has been senior year at Tufts. I've learned a lot in terms of career development, but I've also improved in so many other ways.  Each day I try to become a little better than I was the day before, and I encourage you all to try and do the same. <3

Now, go and celebrate! We all deserve it.

Source

Signing off (and into post-grad life),

Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015

P.S. If you find yourself now invested in my life story (who knows), you can keep up with me on Twitter @Kelly_F_Vieira. Hopefully I'll remember to use it.

Read More

Transitioning to the "Real World"

So, let's get real.

"The Real World" is a phrase that I've come to despise. Ironic, considering the title of my very first post back in September.

I hear it with increasing frequency as I inch closer and closer to graduation, and each time I resent it even more. There's just something about it that's way too cynical for my liking. Sure, post-grad life is definitely going to have its own challenges, but all aspects of life do. I have no doubt that each and every one of us is equipped to make it in this so-called "real world", because we already have been making it.

Think back to freshman year (I'm asking a lot here, but just try). You were going through a huge transition then, too. Going from high school to college probably wasn't easy. You had to learn many new things - like how to make new friends, how to do laundry, how to run on 3 hours of sleep... Those are just a few of the adjustments you had to make to survive college. I bet you can think of many others.

Artist depiction of myself after Freshman year.
Source

And yet, you managed. You made it work, even if it involved a Sophomore Slump and a couple (or 3, or 5) identity crises along the way.

Going from college to post-grad life is not somehow more "real" than any other transitional period. Your four years in college were real.You know that, you just went through them. They were real and they were challenging, and amazing, and enlightening, and sometimes downright scary. So why is there this constant implication that "real life" doesn't start until we're handed a fancy piece of paper?

Don't get me wrong -- I totally want that fancy piece of paper.
Source

My main point here is that there is no reason to panic about the "real world". Post-grad life will certainly be different, but it won't be impossible to adjust to. If you're feeling like you don't even know where to start, here are some tips that might make the transition a bit smoother (though a bumpy transition is okay too!):

Learn about all that boring financial stuff. You know, taxes and the like. As unexciting as it is, financial literacy is one of the most important parts of the transition to living on your own. A sad truth is that college doesn't always do a great job at prepping us for that. Fortunately, thanks to The Power of the Internet, there are tons of places you can get the right info. Learning how to budget early on will save you a lot of financial strife later. I recommend sites like Society of Grownups, Mint Money Manager, NerdWallet, and this article about filing taxes. Think of it this way: worried about managing your finances? There's an app for that.

Prepare to have an actual routine. Here's the thing: going to sleep at 4am will not be sustainable once you have a full-time job. You probably already knew that, but I'm just making sure. Personally, I think that this particular adjustment will be the most difficult. I'm mentally preparing myself. It will probably suck at first, but there's hope; once you actually have a pattern of getting up earlier, your body clock will eventually catch up. For example, my mom wakes up to go to work each morning without an alarm at all! Granted, my mom might actually be a wizard.

Have interesting hobbies. I've mentioned hobbies in previous posts, but I'm going to mention them again because they're so important. Life after college has the potential to become monotonous very quickly - working 9-to-5 probably isn't going to be packed with excitement. As such, it's really your own responsibility to make exciting things happen. One way to ensure that you're life doesn't become a cycle of working and sleeping is to have a life outside of your job. Dedicate yourself to things that have nothing to do with work - travel, join a rock climbing club, pick up an instrument, play a club sport, make some art - anything that will stimulate you in a unique way. Remember - in post-grad life, the weekends are yours! No 10 page papers looming over your head.

Try interpretative dance?

Know that you're not alone. For a lot of people, post-grad life can create feelings of isolation. This is especially true if you find yourself moving far away from all the friends that you made in college. You might end up back in your hometown, or in a new city where you don't know anyone at all. It's easy to feel like you're the only one who's struggling to figure your life out. Maybe it seems like everyone else has their life together, but I can promise you that almost everyone will be feeling just as lost. Being 18-25 is a weird time for most people, but like all things it will pass.

If you're feeling really down, talk to your friends (who you should definitely stay in contact with!), or use the internet as a resource. Here's a Reddit thread I found that asks people to share their experience with post-grad life. As you can see upon reading, pretty much everyone was able to make it through their challenges. For me, it was comforting to see encouraging messages from people who have gone through the transition and survived (maybe not unscathed).

We can all bond over how much it sucks to pay bills.
Source

If you're anything like me, your 18-year-old freshman self never could have imagined that you would change so much and experience so many things in just four years. Can you imagine how much you'll grow and improve in the next four (and beyond)?

I'll end my motivational speech/penultimate post here, but know that you deserve credit for all that you've accomplished. I hope that you're proud of yourself, and that you believe in your ability to take whatever the "real world" decides to throw at you. You'll always have at least one person cheering you on (this girl right here).

For real.


P.S. Bonus links: Click on each word!

Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015

Read More

What Not To Wear - Interview Edition

Happy Monday!

I have some exciting news (well, exciting for me). I had an interview today! Guess my cover letter writing skills worked out in my favor.

As such, I thought it would be pertinent to discuss one of the quintessential aspects of the interview process: looking the part. Obviously you want to do all your research and be prepared, but dressing well does make a difference in how you're perceived. First impressions matter - it's just a factor of human nature.

To help makes things easier, here are some tips on what (and what not) to wear for a job interview:

Match the vibe of your industry/organization. So we all probably have a general idea about what a good "interview outfit" looks like. The first thing that comes to mind is probably something along the lines of:

Outfits like this are great for super conservative corporate jobs, but they can cause you to blend in with the crowd.
Source

The classic black suit is all well and good, but unless your work environment is going to be very formal (like a big corporate firm), it might be too stiff. Working for a start-up or non-profit probably isn't going to require that kind of dress code. A great thing to do before an interview is to go on the company website and see if there are any photos of employees. That should give you an idea of what everyday work wear looks like. A good rule of thumb is to take their dress code and make it slightly dressier. That way, you'll look like you'd actually fit in with the other employees while still showing that you made an effort to look nice.

Get creative (within reason). So some of you might be thinking "what do I even wear if not a plain black suit?". Well, the possibilities are endless! Okay, maybe not endless. There's definitely an end. Don't walk in wearing a banana suit or anything.

Unless you're interviewing to be a Banana Suit Salesman -- no, even then you still shouldn't.
Source

My point is that you can definitely bring in pieces of your own personal fashion style to an interview. Don't be afraid to add some color or interesting patterns - as long as you don't overdo. In terms of feminine wear, a colored dress and blazer combo are a great way to break the monotony of pant suits. Dresses/skirts are great because they come in so many different styles and colors - you can give the interviewer a taste of your personality just based on your outfit choice. Just avoid anything neon or too ostentatious. 

 Three different ways to add pops of color for ladies! Source

And three ways for men! Admittedly, men's fashion isn't as varied. These are kind of all the same outfit? Source

Wear shoes that you're comfortable in. This is probably more relevant for people who choose to wear high heels, but men's shoes can probably vary in comfort level too. As much as the added height of a stiletto might make you feel more confident, wearing shoes that make it difficult to walk isn't a great idea. If you insist on heels, keep the heel itself 2 inches or lower. Otherwise, opt for flats! Not only can they be stylish (and another pop of color, if you wish), but they tend to be a lot more comfortable. Comfort in general will help ease some pre-interview stress.

Don't wear a backpack. I know, backpacks are totally useful and they've almost become an extension of your body after more than a decade as a student. However, they're not exactly interview material. The last thing you want to do is to remind your employer that you're fresh out of school. Remember: you could very well be in competition with people who have been out of school for a long while. Having a briefcase, structured purse/bag, or a portfolio will seal the deal in terms of your professional appearance.

All better alternatives to a backpack (and no, they don't have to be fancy/expensive leather).

Don't break the bank. As a professional Broke College Student™, I know how important it is to save money when I can. Despite the importance of looking put-together for an interview, you don't need an Armani suit. Discount stores like Marshalls and TJMaxx are a great way to get fancy designer outfits without the fancy designer price. If you're really low on cash, there's also no shame in hitting up Goodwill/Buffalo Exchange. You'll feel even better about your interview outfit knowing you got an awesome deal on it.

Further reading, if you so choose: here are some links to articles I used as reference!

Also referenced: years of watching TLC and kinda wishing I had Stacy's distinguished gray streak.

Now go off and interview in style!

Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira

Class of 2015

Read More

Got You Covered - Writing Cover Letters

Happy Friday!

So, let's get down to business to defeat the Huns. I don't have a job yet. I've applied to some positions, but overall I'm still playing the waiting game. I'm stuck in the stressful cycle of sending out applications, waiting for calls, and then sending out even more applications. However, I can take solace in the fact that I'm not alone. The vast majority of the Class of 2015 is in the same boat at this point.

...I think we might have sprung a leak, guys.
Source

Even if you have friends who've already landed their dream jobs (and you're resisting the urge to sneer at them), rest assured that they are the exception to the rule. Don't feel bad about not having a job yet - it's usually a time consuming process. Just remember that finding a job is not a race. Repeat after me. Finding a job is not a race.

I know that fact alone doesn't take away all of the pressure, though. So I'm here to help with what is often the most annoying part of a job application - writing a cover letter.

Cover letters are only a few paragraphs long, but they give people trouble because there are so many ways to go about writing one. The open-ended nature of the cover letter can become overwhelming, especially for those who don't consider themselves very skilled writers.

Rest assured that you don't have to be Shakespeare to write a good cover letter. In fact, breaking out the super flowery language probably isn't the greatest idea.

Salutations, good sir or madam! May you receive the blessings of a most bountiful harvest...
Source

Here are some of the most important tips for writing a great cover letter:

Start off strong, not stale. If you've ever looked up "cover letter template", you'll probably notice that most of them start off with something like this: "Dear Hiring Manager, I am so excited to join your team at Company X..." Nothing wrong with this approach, per se. Pretty boring, though. Instead of a canned intro, perhaps start off with a brief anecdote that will actually show who you are as a candidate.

For example, want to work for Google? Start by mentioning that your job search wouldn't have been possible without Google, or how the Google Doodle is a daily conversation starter. The first few sentences of a cover letter are crucial - use them to show a company exactly why you want to work for them. Having a good hook will make sure that your letter isn't forgotten. This awesome article by The Muse lists some attention-grabbing intros that might give you some inspiration.

My preferred Google search.
Source

Match up your skills to the position. When you've found a position you're interested in, take careful note of the words used in the job listing. Who exactly are they looking for? Do they need someone organized, or independent, or skilled in research? Finding these key words should be the first step in your writing process. Make a list of the skills mentioned in the job description, and then match them up with skills that you have (and can demonstrate through experiences). Once you do that, you'll have a basic framework for your cover letter. Click here for the Career Center's great pdf on that process.

Address a specific person. This is one basic thing that a lot of people mess up. If at all possible avoid the dreaded "To Whom it May Concern" opening. All that does it show the employer that you weren't willing to put in the effort to find out who the hiring manager is. Nowadays, getting that info is usually as easy as going on the company's website. If you have no luck doing that, just give them a quick call to ask who you should address your cover letter to. It's easy and will make all the difference in showing that you care.

Keep a conversational tone. In a cover letter, you want to sound intelligent and capable, but don't overdo it. This is not the time to pull out your trusty thesaurus. If you keep your tone conversational (like the style I use for my blog posts) you'll write a much more interesting letter. A good way to avoid sounding boring is to use an active voice - click here to brush up on the difference between the active and passive voice. Use clear and concise language rather than anything complicated. At the same time, do keep in mind that you're writing to a potential employer. Don't forget basic professionalism.

A bit too forward.
Source

The most important thing about writing a cover letter is putting time and effort into showing that you care. With the right amount of planning anyone can churn out a great cover letter. Just remember: a cover letter is meant to pique an employer's interest and make them want to call you for an interview. Don't be afraid to get creative and let your personality shine.

Good luck!


Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015

Read More

Treat Yo Self 2015 - De-Stressing Tips

Hello readers!

Can you believe that it's already April? Just think about that.

After experiencing the multiple snow days of Snowpocolypse 2015 and then Spring Break right after that, it almost feels like I've been thrust into the final stretch of the semester without warning. Readjusting to actually having full weeks of class has been a very strange process. From what I've gathered, I'm not the only one with this feeling.

How does studying work, again? Think, think, think...
Source

Make a De-Stress Playlist. Music has been scientifically proven to have major effects on mood. There's a reason that music therapy is a legitimate field of psychology. In terms of stress relief, music can play a powerful role in calming you down. Here is a list of songs found to be among the most calming in the world. It includes the likes of Enya, Mozart, and even Adele's Someone Like You (maybe that's why it was such a smash hit!).

Clean Your Room. I totally sound like a concerned mom with this one, but hear me out. Cleaning your room can actually have a positive effect on your mood. Having a messy room can leave you feeling distracted and like you have unfinished business all around you. After tidying up, your brain won't have to work as hard to ignore all the clutter. So, put on some pump up music and get to cleaning! Even if you only spend 15 minutes doing it, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that will leave you happier and much less stressed.

I'm right there with you, Britney.
Source

Journal or Doodle. Racing thoughts are a major cause of unhealthy stress. If you have trouble turning your brain off when you need to (like as you try to sleep), a pen and paper can do wonders. Consider keeping a journal to write out all the things that are bothering you. If you're the more visual type, try doodling random things when you're feeling super stressed. Sometimes the act of putting something on paper can relieve the pressure building up in your mind.

Keep a hobby. If you're anything like me, you might feel like "free time" has become some kind of foreign concept. There's a lot of pressure to keep busy at a place like Tufts, but constantly being stressed about school work just isn't good for you. Don't slack off and let your academics suffer, but prioritize doing things that make you happy. Having a hobby - whether it be something athletic, artistic, intellectual, or spiritual - can offer you a valuable way to relax.

Get off campus. Being in a certain environment can definitely affect your mood. If you've been spending all day studying like mad, campus might equate with stress for you. Going somewhere that doesn't have that same stressful association can be very healing. It could be as simple as talking a walk to Davis Square, or you could even take advantage of the amazing places all around Boston that are just a T ride away.

Source

Hang out with friends. If you're a graduating senior, this is super important. Make time to socialize with friends, especially those who might be moving away after graduation! Once midterms wind down (or even if it doesn't), go out and do fun things with the people who helped make Tufts home for you. Friendships are one of the most integral parts of the college experience, so don't take them for granted.

As I'm sure you all know first-hand, college can be stressful. This is especially true if you're like me, about to graduate and become a Real Adult™. However, you can definitely combat that stress by setting time away to treat yourself to nice things. Live a little (or a lot). You'll feel a million times better, I promise. 

Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira

Class of 2015

Read More

Just YouTube It - Top Career Development Videos

Congratulations, you've made it to Spring Break!

Some of you are probably half way to Cancún by now, but even if you aren't going somewhere sunny I do hope that you take time to treat yourself this coming week.

As for me, I'll be back home in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, which is not exactly The Excitement Capitol of The World. I mostly anticipate spending way too much time on Tumblr, finally catching up on my shows, and going to the mall. Oh, and I'll be actively looking for a job because I'm a senior and graduation inches closer and closer each day. That too.

Thinking about that frightening fact gave me a brilliant idea - why not combine my penchant for internet browsing with the job search? I can use YouTube both to procrastinate and to further my career development! Two birds with one stone. I'm a genius someone please hire me.

If you're also spending Spring Break in cyberspace rather than at the beach, I've compiled a list of helpful YouTube videos that might shed some light on the mysteries of the job search.

Heads up: I know that our net attention spans are pretty limited, so I made sure that all the videos are around five minutes or less. You're welcome.

12 minute long video? Who do you think I am?
Source

SCHEDULING YOUR JOB SEARCH The job search is pretty complicated, and it can be really overwhelming. If you've found yourself stressed and unable to stop procrastinating, maybe following these tips will help you feel like you have more of a game plan.

USING LINKED IN TO FIND A JOB I'm a big fan of visual learning, and infographic-style videos with calming music are right up my alley. If you feel the same, definitely check out this video. It's a fantastic overview of how you can use LinkedIn strategically to find a job you'll love.

8 TIPS FROM PEOPLE WHO FOUND DREAM JOBS  Idealist.org is one of the best job search websites for people who are concerned with making the world a better place. Their YouTube channel is full of great advice, all presented in a visually pleasing manner.

KEEPING MOTIVATED DURING JOB SEARCH This video from Monster UK is a quick run-down of what to do when you feel like job searching is the worst thing in the world. A lot of these tips are common sense, but you'd be surprised by how easy it is to neglect simple things when you're stressed. Also, this video features pleasant English accents, so that's a plus!

SNAGAJOB'S WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR This video includes cheesy acting, which is always entertaining. Besides that, Snagajob's perspective is valuable because they have tips on how to stand out to employers. Standing out is especially important when you're applying to particularly competitive jobs, since you could be one of many with similar experiences.

We can find jobs, we have the technology!
Source

Click away, my friends! Hopefully these videos will set you up with a smoother job search.

Bonus Video: Obviously I have to link to Buzzfeed because this is what life in 2015 has become. Have a laugh to make yourself feel better about not having a job yet!

Bonus Part 2: This excitable Youtuber offers a very unique spin on the job search. I won't spoil it by saying anything else.

Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015

Read More

Branded: How to Create a Personal Brand Online

Hello fine readers!

Before I begin, I'm going to make a case for personal branding.

Understandably, many Millennials are disillusioned by The Brand Called "You". After all, why should anyone have to market themselves like a product? That very question sums up the philosophy I've gathered from most of my Millennial peers.

I understand the hesitance. As a Millennial myself, I can vouch that it's hard for us to accept anything that seems disingenuous. After all, there's evidence that Millenials actually value happiness more than other generations. When our goals revolve around genuine happiness, putting up a front to get a job seems counter intuitive. Would anyone even be happy at a job they had to change themselves to acquire?

It's a valid question! Though often dismissed as "Generation Me", Millenials have rational concerns that deserve to be taken seriously. That said, I also think that a lot of us are way too cynical. Branding doesn't have to be as middle-aged-exec-buzzword-y as it sounds. Allow me to offer you my own definition of branding, informed by research:

Personal branding is what happens when you offer a consistent, honest, and streamlined picture of who you are as a person. Notice how I said nothing about changing yourself. You obviously want your brand to be positive, but it's not about making up a new person. Rather, branding is being aware of how valuable you actually are, and showcasing that value for the world to see.

Source

How do you do that, online in particular? Here are a few tips:

Google yourself. This one is pretty standard. I'm sure you've done it before, but take a moment to do so now if it's been a while. What comes up? Take special note of what people will be seeing on the first page (both web and images). Most likely, Google will lead to your social media accounts, which goes to show how important it is to clean up your social media every now and then. Make sure that nothing particularly negative comes up, but you should also be concerned if you find nothing at all! You know how you assume something doesn't exist if you Google it and get no results? Employers sometimes think that way too.

Got a common name? As for what you do if nothing relevant comes up - make sure your name is working for you. A big problem for people with common names is that Google can't find you. This is an issue I had to deal with recently. Despite "Vieira" being a bit obscure, a search for "Kelly Vieira" brought up a ton of people who were not me. To fix that, I decided that I should go by "Kelly F. Vieira" professionally. After changing my name on social media (and my resume, so employers know what name to search), you can actually find me on Google now.

First few results are actually me! It's a start.

Make a digital business card. It's easy for us Millennials to take this for granted, but we have a ton of marketable skills that people twice our age often don't have. Case in point: ask an older relative if they could figure out how Tumblr works in 15 minutes or less. What better way to show off than to have a virtual business card? It might seem superfluous, but having a personal profile on a website like About.Me is helpful. A short summary of who you are is a perfect opportunity to start on that "personal brand" thing. Come up with a short paragraph that you can use across sites - that creates consistency!

Consider a personal website. Having a website is an awesome way to show employers who you are as a person. Maybe this is my bias since I'm a blogger - but reading someone's blog is one of the best ways to get to know their personality. If you're not the traditional blogging type - maybe set up something simple, like a Wordpress or Tumblr where you can put up a nice photo, your resume, and a virtual portfolio of your work. Linking to your own website on your resume will make you seem super fancy and legitimate, trust me.

Shine on social media. I'm sure you've already heard all the horror stories about social media and the job search - that's not where I'm going here. I want to look at the bright side of social media. Rather than being something you hope employers don't find, social media can actually be one way to show off that you're a real live human with fascinating thoughts and interests. Twitter, for example, is a great way to connect with all kinds of people in different fields. It doesn't have to be a way to tell everyone what you had for breakfast.

Since this blog post was all about self-promotion and branding:

Follow me on Twitter @Kelly_F_Vieira or 

Check out my LinkedIn 

Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira

Class of 2015

Read More

Networking + Personality | Part 2 - The Extrovert Advantage

Hello again!

Last week, I wrote a post about how introverts can use their unique traits to excel in networking. It would be unfair of me to leave it at that, though. After all, networking falls at least a little more comfortably into the realm of extroversion. This article will offer some tips.

As a disclaimer: I'm just about as introverted as you can get, so I can't speak from personal experience here. To make up for that, I asked a few of my extroverted friends to tell me about their feelings on networking. The following is informed by their opinions (thanks friends!). I also referred to articles like this one, which is worth checking out.

Of course, keep in mind that no two extroverts are the same - just as no two people are the same. These tips may not apply to everyone, but hopefully they can shed some light.

Applicable to networking, and life.
Source

You're a natural at meeting new people. Since your energy comes from socializing, you can use your people skills to draw others in and start making connections. Friendliness can go a very long way when it comes to networking. You have an advantage in comparison to introverts, who might have more trouble "turning it on" when they need to. Being approachable makes meeting new people that much easier. As an extrovert, use this to your benefit - attend networking events whenever you can and connect away!

You have more energy for socializing. Since extroverts derive their energy from people and experiences, they are generally able to spend more time socializing than introverts. An extrovert might find that networking is actually kind of fun once you meet someone interesting. Just let your natural energy guide you. If you're talking to someone and there isn't a "spark", don't feel bad about politely excusing yourself to focus energy on someone else. If you're strongly extroverted, you'll probably have a lot more time to mingle than the introverts anyway, who might opt to leave events early.

You're great at conversation. If you find yourself at an event where there are a lot of potential connections to be made, being able to start a good conversation is key. Nothing is worse than trying to talk to someone you're interested in and watching the conversation die, trailing off awkwardly. While most introverts have trouble with small talk, extroverts are usually more comfortable coming up with things to talk about on the fly.

Remember to pull your talking ring!
Source

Despite the advantages extroverts might have, it's important to remember that:

Being an extrovert doesn't mean networking is easy. According to my extrovert (and ambivert) friends, normal socializing and networking are two very different things. When I asked if they enjoyed networking, the general consensus was that it wasn't fun. With the constant pressure of trying to further your career development, some extroverts feel like networking is disingenuous and awkward.

I think that feeling stems from the misconception that networking is all about putting up a front. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Networking, at its core, is just about getting to know new people - something I'm sure extroverts usually enjoy. It doesn't have to be about walking up to someone and giving your 30 second spiel (though it is sometimes). It can also be more simple and totally natural. Think about it this way: if you go to a professor's office hours and talk about potential internships - that's networking!

One warning for extroverts.  Sometimes, extroverts speak without thinking first, and that's where introverts and extroverts differ.  Be careful in those instances where you find yourself really excited and needing to get your "air time".   In situations where it matters, like networking, you may want to train yourself to think about what you want to say before you say it.

At the end of the day, networking is about broadening your horizons. Whether you're the life of the party or a wallflower, networking doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming. It's not as high pressure as you might think.

Remember: the Career Center is always available to help you! Just give them a call at 617-627-3299 or come in for drop-in hours!


Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015

Read More

Networking + Personality | Part 1 - The Introvert Advantage

Fun fact: I'm highly fascinated by personality traits and psychology. Putting people into personality-based categories is really satisfying for some reason. I often spend my free time taking quizzes to find out What Type of Fruit I am (cherry!) or some other unscientific, but amusing alignment. For example, I'm a proud Ravenclaw, INFJ, Virgo, and Introvert.

You can tell a lot about a person from their Hogwarts House.
Source

Knowing that I'm a cherry isn't the most useful self description, but personality really does have an effect on career development. Knowing who you are on a psychological level can actually guide you towards the right career path. Believe me when I say that it's better to work with your personality than against it (especially true for American introverts, who are often led to believe that their personality is a weakness).

This two-part post is going to cover how different personality types might approach networking. If you want something more general, check out fellow blogger Nicole's two previous posts on finding a career that fits your personality.

Since my own expertise lies in being an introvert, Part 1 will focus on the relationship between Introversion and networking. For all you lively extroverts out there, hold tight for Part 2 next week, which will focus on the Extrovert Advantage.

INTROVERTS VS EXTROVERTS
Before we begin, it's important to actually explain the difference between introverts and extroverts. There are a lot of different explanations, but I think this one is best: If you're an extrovert, you gain energy by being around people and experiencing the outside world (objects, places, etc.). If you're an introvert, you get your energy from the inner world of thoughts, ideas, and imagination, rather than interactions with people.

On the left, an extrovert, on the right, an introvert.
Source

A simple test is how you feel after going to a party. If you're an introvert like me, you probably get sick of parties an hour in and want nothing more than to go home and watch Netflix by yourself. If you're an extrovert, you might hate when parties end, and you'd be the type to go to after-parties for extra socializing. Some people are a bit of both (there's a term for that, too - ambivert), but most have a preference.

Below are some tips that will make networking less of a chore for introverts:

Know your limit. If you start losing steam after an hour at a social event, don't force yourself to stay the whole time. Even if you don't get to talk to everyone, making one or two really meaningful connections can make your attendance worthwhile. If you're on the higher end of introversion, like I am, it's also helpful to limit the number of events. I had a week last semester where I went to three networking events in a row, and I felt totally drained afterwards. Quality over quantity.

Utilize the internet. Introverts should capitalize on their natural comfort with written communication. Thanks to the internet, there are a million ways to find people and network without having to meet face-to-face. Sites like LinkedIn are a goldmine of people you can email and set up informational interviews with. You shouldn't totally avoid meeting people in person, but email is a way to break the ice that's often more comfortable for introverts.

Use your listening skills. Introverts may not be the life of the party, but they are known to be great listeners. Letting someone else talk is a really important skill when it comes to networking - it's a two-way exchange after all. Your thoughtfulness might actually make you stand out from the crowd, even if you're not the loudest one in the room.

A problem many introverts don't have.
Source

In general, American work culture isn't the most friendly towards introverts. The attitude is slowly changing (largely thanks to scholarship on introversion like Susan Cain's best-selling book Quiet), but it's still said that introverts must force themselves to take on extroverted traits in order to be successful. I'd argue that this line of thinking does a disservice to introverts.

A few steps out of your comfort zone are necessary, but you don't have to fundamentally change who you are in order to succeed. This is even true with networking, which is considered the introvert's worst nightmare. Trust me, even the most shy of introverts can find ways to connect with people that don't involve schmoozing at cocktail hour. Bonus: click here for an audio clip of Career Consultant Dan Shepard talking about networking for introverts.

If you're willing to accept your personality and make it work to your advantage, you'll be well on your way to being a networking champ. Minimal small-talk required!

Signing off,

Kelly F. Vieira
Class of 2015

Read More