Sophia Joseph’s Remaining Group Mentoring Sessions of Fall Semester 2013 – Group 3, Sessions 2 & 3

Group mentoring leader, Sophia Joseph, Class of 2016
Photo courtesy of LinkedIn.com

The Fall 2013 semester marked an insightful time for group mentoring leader’s, Sophia Joseph’s, fellow mentees and executive mentors! Each meeting picked up exactly where they originally left off so that the ideas built off each other seamlessly. The conversation was heavily influenced by the growing technological age and how students now should utilize this technology and respond to the ever-changing work environment impacted by such factors.

The executive mentors have witnessed this transformation over their years of work experience, allowing them to give vital advice as to how this can be dealt with and used to their advantage. In understanding the nature of our world today, we need to find the right tools to keep up with the speed of information around us; these tools though are in the palms of our hands already. Honing and embellishing on these skills are directly important to your success.

Besides just learning about the future we will experience  and the gadgets that we will use once we graduate, it is important to still save a sense of self. In the business world, we are not just programmed to do one task only and routinely. We are asked to provide ideas and plans that help propel the company further, which in turn will result in promotions for us as the employees. In order to do so, we must choose to take on the tasks that are more challenging where we have to think beyond what is considered the norm. Going outside of what feels safe to us is essential to not only our growth as people but also to prove more valuable in your team or department. Being able to continuously learn and being proactive will tremendously improve your chances as employees to get where you eventually want to be.

Congratulations, Sophia, on a very successful semester in group mentoring! We truly benefited by what you’ve been learning and look forward to more in Spring 2014!

Below are the meeting minutes taken during these sessions that elaborate on the summary above:

Group Mentoring Notes 2

–          The future requires a different skill set

–          Start small (start in sales) learn the business and then move up to your field

–          More mobile devices than people on the planet

• By 2020 regular household items will connect to the internet
• Technology will be the backbone of future enterprises

–          As a meeting facilitator, be able to read you audience and adjust

–          Sometimes during meetings, taking notes can be distracting

• It is hard for your mind to do two things at once
• Social interaction is vital
• Second screen experience (doing two things at once like watching tv and being on your phone)

–          The speed of business is increasing everyday

• Perception is key (You may think you can double task, but the person in front of you wants you to maintain eye contact and connect with them)
• There is a need for speed

–          You’re missing the life around you and important moments

–          Internet initiated globalization

–          Every day is a new checklist

–          The busiest people are the most efficient

–          You have to speak up and get out of your comfort zone

• Take on projects that are more challenging

–          You will run into all types of people and you need to learn how to deal with them

Group Mentoring Notes 3

–          There are not a lot of barriers for women in business (specifically sports)

• 20 years ago things were really different- male dominated
• There is a large majority of women in nonprofit organizations
• It really varies by industry, but most barriers are gone

–          There will always be regional pockets- not everyone thinks the same

–          In corporate America it is usually 44 white males 4 black men and 2 white women

• Much more prevalent in corporate America
• There are no rules that you need to have equal work forces

–          Do what you want to do

–          Know your brand

–          Be PHD- passionate, hungry, driven

–          People always notice- energy level, work hard and smart, be passionate

• Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard

–          Understand the culture of the organization you’re working for

–          Be persistent and network

–          Be careful of what you put on the internet

–          Enjoy the win and let it propel you to the next step

• ← Three Minute Leadership: Find a Way, Then Never Give Up
• Noel Girgenti’s Final Group Mentoring Session of Fall Semester 2013 – Group 8, Session 2 →