On Saturday, November 8, 2014 NSHSS hosted a workshop at the 5th annual NAAMBA (National Association of Asian MBAs) Leadership Conference & Career Exposition in Boston, Massachusetts, called “Preparing for Your Career: Insights on Personal Branding, Leadership Development, and Successful Professional Transitions.”
The opportunity to present a workshop also afforded NSHSS to involve three additional partners including the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), Tesoro Corporation, and the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business.
Moderated by NSHSS Vice President Beth Pann, panelists Sarah Johnston of the University of Utah, Jacques McGregor of Tesoro Corporation, and GMAC’s Sabrina White offered their views on direct, self-branding during interviews and networking opportunities. In addition to NSHSS college members in the audience, other attendees included undergraduate college students, students pursuing an MBA degree, and working professionals considering graduate study.
In response to questions around personal branding, the panelists encouraged attendees to personalize their response when explaining their talents and professional assets to potential employers. When presented with a question about Pan-Asian cultural practices of modesty versus self-promotion, an essential tool to advancing in the world of business, the panelists suggested that the students establish self-confidence in their particular skill set and relay the concrete fact that they are adept in their respective talents to employers. Jacques McGregor also prompted the students to identify themselves using a single verb, such as “transform,” and to remain true to their verb as it enables development within their professional careers.
The young professionals were advised to serve as objective, empathic leaders and to also promote continual learning and self-improvement within their companies and organizations. The panelists shared the imperativeness of remaining open to growth and new opportunities, specifically in fulfilling responsibilities often avoided by other associates. Millennials provide distinctive talents in their awareness and embracement of technological advancement and inclusion in the workplace. The panelists left the attendees with an assurance that through their progressive worldviews, the cultivation of their specialized talents, and the development of their personal brand, they will not only successful prepare, but continually excel in their professional careers.
NSHSS is grateful to have partnerships with AscendNAAMBA, GMAC, Tesoro Corporation, and the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business that bring lifetime benefits to NSHSS members in college and those pursuing graduate study.