What is development? Simply put – it’s professional growth. For anyone beginning a career with a company, large or small, the sooner you realize you are the best champion of your own professional growth, the better. No company, supervisor, human resources employee or mentor will top what you can do for your own career. Make managing your own career...
How I Finally Left My First Job
I was lucky enough that after graduating from college in May 2010, it was only a matter of weeks before I found my first job. After sending out countless resumes and cover letters, landing a job when so many of my friends were still struggling was a godsend… until it wasn’t anymore. There are some people who get very...
It’s 5:30 am – Time For A Run!
The alarm goes off at 5:30. I know it’s in the 40s this morning, so I grab an extra layer, some water and a quick snack. I’m out the door by 5:55. Still dark, my running partner and I hit the trail at 6:15 with headlamps in place so we can navigate the path and we’re finished with six...
If You’re Gonna Punch, Mean It: A Personal Branding Lesson From America’s Next Top Model
If you didn’t see it, Angelea recently went home on America’s Next Top Model. Because she didn’t punch hard enough. Let me explain… She opted to sing a feisty, punky, slightly angry song about being a tough girl. Despite her best attempts at fist pumping and head swinging, the judges said things like: “It never registered” “It was a...
Time, Patience, and Practice – How to Start Building Your Network Today
Having a strong network was probably one of the most underestimated tools to help people in their career advancement until the rise of social media in the last decade. Perhaps, in part, the connotation of networking seems to go against the American value that people should pull themselves up from their bootstraps. However, do not be deceived, building a network...
Did Your Confidence Plummet Post Graduation? Gain It Back!
Your college graduation has come and gone, and so have your friends. Many of them continuing on to medical school, business school, graduate school, investment banking, or some other “set career path.” You, on the other-hand, have sobered up from commencement highs and are feeling as if your future is a dark abyss. Many new college graduates experience a drop...
Climbing Lessons
I climb high mountains. I’d like to offer you a lesson I’ve learned: a climbing lesson, if you will. Now, you’re probably wondering why a site that offers career advice to young women would serve up climbing tips. I’ve discovered over the years that there are many “mountains” in life. These lessons can be applied liberally. Here is lesson...
Simple Ways to Boost Your Confidence at Work
Confidence is one of the hardest yet most important attributes to develop and maintain. We always want what we don’t have, but learning what your personal strengths are and owning them is crucial to being happy and successful. Write down all of your strengths and positive attributes (and don’t be modest)! Set a timer for them to pop up on...
This Is My Journey: Insights On A Career Path Less Traveled
My journey isn’t the typical or traditional path some take (if there is such a thing) but I transitioned to project management from a customer service background in the financial and health industries. I always thought of myself as a creator, a producer. I enjoyed planning, organizing and overseeing the execution of projects. As an undergraduate at NCSU, I would...
NEXTer Interview: Carrie Wheeler
PAsking for a raise can be a difficult task. Carrie Wheeler, Environmental Protection Specialist, shared with us her experience and tips for landing a promotion. Carrie started working for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an intern after obtaining her master’s degree from the School of Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. Through the EPA’s Environmental Intern Program, she transferred to...
Going Beyond “Work Sucks!”
I’m Walking down a sidewalk of a small mall towards my morning cup of coffee. A young man empties a large trash barrel into the dumpster nearby, and starts rolling it along my path. I look him in the eyes and wish him a good morning. He says nothing. We walk together, side by side, for a few awkward seconds....