Good luck and be well.
Hey there!
Thank you for reading my letter. I hope you find it helpful.
I’ve had a very rewarding career in business and technology leading a global team, serving as a vice president, Senior Information Officer and a couple other fancy titles. I definitely battled the odds as a mixed race (Asian and European) male with only an Associates degree from our local community college and struggling to find my way in my career in a very conservative industry dominated by white males.
Today, more than ever before, companies are investing in creating a more diverse workforce. Use this to your advantage. It will open doors for you, but please consider the list below that I learned during my career. I hope it will help you to really thrive and succeed in your career. Good luck and be well!
Work hard- never underestimate the value of hard-work. Every successful person I’ve had the privilege of working with was a hard worker. They worked hard to earn their position and they worked hard to keep it.
Invest in formal education. Degrees and certifications open doors and help you to be successful. They are not the only thing that matters, but they are a big deal. And, you must continue your education while you work. Late in my career, I realized that I had helped others with their ongoing education, but failed to invest in myself. In spite of my prior fancy work titles, I was becoming irrelevant. I went back to school and completed a Bachelor's degree and earned a Scaled Agile PM/PO Certification. That combination of additional education opened the door to my current job and numerous others.
Get noticed- Early on, create a professional LinkedIn profile during college. Build your network of people based on the industries and careers that interest you. Find internships that support your career ambitions. Join clubs and maybe a sorority. I’ve heard of several colleagues that landed new jobs from former fraternity brothers. Maybe it works for sororities, too! When you start working, volunteer for projects, thehardest ones. Ask questions, learn about your products and customers. Be smart, innovative, connect the dots and speak up, respectfully and enthusiastically.
Communication is critical- learn to listen and respond effectively, be observant, read the room, find your opportunities. Remember that communication is a two way street. Actively listen and then respond. If you are proposing an idea, learn to sell it. Understand your audience. Tailor your message to them, helping them to understand the benefits (why they should care about and support your suggestion) and solicit input to improve your ideas and strengthen their support. Great communicators get noticed, get promoted, and get funding for their projects.
Have fun - there’s a balance to be achieved here. Don’t forget the rest of this list, but try to enjoy what you’re doing. Find levity. Celebrate the milestones as well as the camaraderie and collaboration from those you have the privilege of working with. This will energize you and others to carry on and have a successful career.
Champion the Customer Experience - never forget that every business has a customer. Delivering a delightful experience to them is critical to the success and even the survival of your company. Find ways to improve their experience, directly or indirectly, and it will benefit you, your company and your customers.
