Be the Master of Your Destiny! by Dominique Preston

The main topic of discussion lately is…. THE ECONOMY!!! Everyone has been or knows someone personally who has been affected by the recession. I myself recently was downsized in a company that I worked at for three years. It completely blindsided me because as most people I had the mindset that “it won’t happen to me.” I am a college student that is neck high in debt from school loans. I was depressed and nervous about the future. Luckily, I have gained a new perspective on the situation and now have figured out a new strategy.
In college, I am apart of an organization called American Women in Radio and Television. We took a trip to Washington DC for seminars and I would like impart some information I gained from the experience that may help others in their financial crises. With trying to gain a job and keeping a job you must create and maintain a brand. Branding yourself has contributed to many people’s success. Like with product branding, an idea of classification comes in association to identify that person. Find a brand and stay true to that identity. Also if you don’t create your own brand and image someone else will. It is a thought process many people don’t keep in mind. Especially searching for a job, you are the product that you want that potential employer to buy.
When marketing yourself you must follow three major steps 1)Be confident 2) Know your Voice 3) Stand for something. Confidence is the first and maybe the most important step to marketing yourself. Fear is not an excuse to not go for the job you want or to ask for that promotion you feel you deserve. Know everyone will not always like you. Regret for not taking action is far worst than the disappointment of rejection. With confidence these trials will seem minimal and you will welcome the challenge to inch closer to your future goals.
Although this is a hard time for a lot of people, you must remember that some of the greatest moments came during times of adversity. In this conference I learned major enterprises like MTV, USA Today, and CNN was spawned during some of the worst financial down currents. So you should always try to see the silver lining. Be flexible and be open to change.
The main people who will suffer from the economy will be
1) Unconnected- people who isolate themselves and have very small networks
2) Idealistic- their expectations do not meet their ability to accomplish them
3) Technology challenged- we are in an age of technology. Not changing with the time, you will get left behind
4) Learned helplessness- playing the victim and not rising above the situation
5) Passive aggressive- not being vocal or proactive in what you want

This trip was very eye opening and helpful in not only my current job search but have instilled positive habits and life teachings. The most important message I gained from this informative conference is being silent and not standing out of the crowd is the most detrimental approach you can take to your career. Standing out and being confident in who you are and what you know can make the difference from standing in the unemployment line and working towards your goals.