Diversity Limitations: Thoughts on My Personal Branding Story

Note: Yesterday’s and today’s posts stemmed from discussions about James Madison University’s (JMU) diversity, or lack thereof, and the effects it may have on students entering an increasingly globalized workplace.

“It were not best that we should all think alike; it is difference of opinion that makes horse races.” -Mark Twain

I couldn’t agree with Mr. Twain more. Variety in culture is what gets me out of bed in the morning. Different foods, clothing and social customs makes this world a place to constantly explore and question. In my personal life, I have sought experiences to travel to places where I do not know the language or social customs. I love New York City because it houses a multitude of cultures living within 20 square miles.

Unfortunately, I attend a university that is not the most diverse geographically and demographically. Approximately 70 percent of the student body is from Virginia and 60 percent are female. Despite these statistics, my university does spend time and money on enhancing diversity through conferences, scholarships and support offices. While I wish my school was more diverse, I have surprisingly learned a great deal about personal branding by the limitations in diversity.

My freshman year in college I applied to several organizations and was rejected. In high school, I was the over-achieving 3.8 GPA- senior service award recipient- musical actress- cheerleader. I was so confused. Why did I not get into these organizations? I wanted to be involved.

Oh. Probably because I was exactly like 30 other over-achieving- 3.8 GPA- senior service award recipients- musical actresses- cheerleaders applying. My freshman year was the first time I realized the importance of personal branding.

Although at the time I never had a class on marketing or branding, I immediately learned the different areas in which I could challenge myself to be different. By joining a sorority and leadership development program, I learned the basics about networking. I stepped outside of my comfort zone by studying abroad for the summer. I spoke up in class. I went to informational sessions and events that I normally would not attend. Most recently, I learned about the importance of LinkedIn, Facebook and my university’s own social media network JMU Nation.

Since my freshman year rut, I pushed myself to try different experiences outside my comfort zone. Even with the diversity limitations at my school, I have learned more about myself and my goals through competition with similar students. Although I love working in environments where there are differences in culture and gender, it was meeting women just like me vying for the same positions that I realized the importance of personal branding to my collegiate and professional career.

-Carla

Taking the Road Less Traveled

We’ve talked a lot on this blog about the fact that our graduation date is fast-approaching. We’ve even used the word “looming” to describe the feeling. And while we remain optimistic, I have recently talked to several colleagues who are not so optimistic about graduating and immediately going into the real world. Many say, “There’s just so much more I want to accomplish.” I am here to tell you quite simply that this attitude is OKAY. In fact, I think it should be applauded.

Based on conversations I’ve had, here are some signs that starting a career straight out of college might not be for you:

• You’re not sure what you want to do (maybe you’re not even sure that what you majored in is right for you) .
• You feel you need more life experiences.
• You feel burnt-out (and not just in that I’m-lazy-and-just-want-to-go-to-the-beach kind of way) and think your body and mind would benefit from time off.
• You love to travel.
• You’re having a difficult time finding a job in the area where you want to live.
• You want to make a difference.
• And (perhaps) most importantly: You can afford to go a few more months without that big $30,000+ a year paycheck.

I found a great Web site that has a fairly comprehensive list of post-graduation alternatives. It includes things like mission trips, volunteer organizations and teaching opportunities. My point here is not to freak yourself out if you’re not sure about what you want right now. It’s better to wait than to do something solely because it’s what other people want. After all, studies are showing people are working longer and retiring later. So if you don’t have the career you want at 22, ease your mind by knowing you’ve got at least until age 65 to figure it out.

As I said, the link above is only fairly comprehensive. Is there something else you’re doing that you want people to know about? Are you taking the road less traveled? Leave us a comment and share your wisdom with others.

-Haley

Leadership Revelations

When I was younger, I thought leadership translated into running an important meeting in a big city wearing a fancy suit. It was not until recently that I realized these juvenile ideas were far from true leadership.

Scholars, journalists and politicians (and for that matter, bloggers) quarrel over aspects of leadership. Everyone can recognize a person with distinctive leadership characteristics: they are charismatic, intelligent and persuasive. Books, essays and training classes focus on developing leadership skills. Through my college years, I have realized that leadership goes well beyond volunteering to put the PowerPoint together for the group presentation.

Leadership is about stepping outside of yourself. While our generation is inherently concerned with failure (myself included), we often focus too much on our personal advancement.

Throughout my college years, I have done minimal volunteer work. Granted I have volunteered a couple hours here and there each semester and donated money to causes, but that’s where my volunteering and philanthropic work ended. I was engrossed in advancing my studies, my activities, my internship, my job, my work, my blog, me, me, me, me. Of course I cared for the community and environment, but I was so overly consumed with advancing myself that I was blind to advancing the people in need around me. I had a case of Millennial passion and fear of failure to the max. I also wanted to wear that fancy suit.

Plus, I am just some college girl. What can I really do that would help?

It was not until this spring break when I volunteered for a week with families in need that I realized that I can help. We all can help. Sometimes leadership is simply holding a door open for someone. Sometimes it maybe listening to a friend that needs help. Or donating pocket change to a philanthropic cause. Leadership does not always mean being president; anyone can be a leader.

There are so many people in this world that need the able-bodied college student and young professional’s help. There are the homeless and working poor. There are children in Uganda forced to be child soldiers. And there is your next door neighbor who just needs someone to talk to. While the large amount of causes often pulls us in different directions, just remember the little things you can do everyday.

After I graduate in a few weeks, I am going to make volunteering a part of my routine. And still wear that fancy suit.

-Carla