So you’re going to a networking event or job fair. You’ve got several copies of the resume you’ve recently polished and even more business cards. Your clothes are appropriate for the event and freshly pressed. You’ve practiced your elevator pitch. But how are your nerves? Are you at the door feeling overwhelmed and apprehensive? If so, don’t sweat it. We’ve all been there, and we’ll be there again someday. Maybe it’ll be a conference, a reception, a job fair, or all of the above. One thing is for sure—a career in public service requires an ability to communicate with lots of different people in many different settings.
Some of the students I work with get nervous just thinking about networking events and other situations where they need to advocate for themselves to strangers. Some have even said that they feel like they’re trying to sell a used car. I say that’s nonsense. We all need to advocate for ourselves, our ideas, and the institutions and stakeholders we represent. Doing so well, and with ethical intentions, is a noble thing. That’s what I remind myself before I go into an event, job interview, or important meeting.
And then, right before I go into the fray, I like to listen to two songs, in this order:
- Regina Spektor – Ghost of Corporate Future
- Michael Jackson – Bad
Published on February 23, 2010
