Successful Strategy Design
On Thursday we received a well-designed talk about pursuing our future careers after our time at Living Education. Dr. John Cole, a Charlotte local, entrepreneur, and businessman, provided us with an energetic and passionate forum in which he covered tips to achieve success in our future work endeavors.
Dr. Cole began by asking all of us what would be our dream job to tailor the discussion to better suit every one of us. He then wanted to emphasize the importance of, what he called, “Swot Analysis.” Swot analysis stands for–strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. He recommended that we identify these in future companies and ourselves. It is necessary for us while looking at new opportunities to weigh the options presented before us. When we focus on our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it allows us a more rounded look at where we can and need to grow.
Research
Dr. Cole said from his personal experience that before even applying for a position, it is worthwhile to prepare by researching the company in which you are interested. This preparation will allow us to stand out positively in the interview stage. It is wise to become familiar with the organization as well as their competitors so we can better answer the interviewer’s questions. He also went on to warn that research is double-sided. Anything that is put online can and will be found by the employer before a company hires somebody. That is why we must think about how others will view our social media posts before we post them. This will protect us from any unforeseen side effects in the future.
Be Personable
Dr. Cole shared that a key to having an impact on other people, especially interviewers, is to simply be natural. This is easier said than done. It is only natural that an employer would feel more inclined to hire someone they genuinely want to spend time around rather than a potentially more qualified individual with whom they can’t get along. Dr. Cole went on to explain that there are four different types of people. He summed them up as:
- Those that know they know.
- Those that know they don’t know.
- Those that don’t know they know.
- Those that don’t know they don’t know.
This example of 4 different people emphasizes the need to be knowledgeable in our fields, yet more importantly, we must remain humble through our wisdom.
Innovative
We need to be up to date with current and future innovations that will affect our future career fields. Dr. Cole gave the example of AI. He recommended that everyone pay attention to the latest developments in their field so that when posed with a question regarding it, we can be ready to give an educated response on the matter. This will allow us to not be caught off guard by any changes in our work and careers.
God’s Hand
While we can do our part to develop better career readiness skills described by Dr. Cole, only with God can we truly succeed. The largest aspect that guides our endeavors is prayer. Dr. Cole explained that God may guide an event in a direction that we may not immediately understand. We should always remember, however, that God is in control and wants what is best for us. He shared a personal account of when he first got out of school. He applied for a good entry-level job. He fervently prayed asking for God’s assistance, yet was ultimately rejected because he was overqualified. What he did not realize at the time was God was protecting him. Just a few months later, the company he applied to declared bankruptcy. We must realize that even if God may close a door, it is to protect us from future suffering.
Dr. Cole reminded us that if we, or other brethren need a hand, to send him an email. He offered to be a reference, give his feedback on any writing for higher education, or read over a resume. If there ever is a time that he can be of assistance Dr. Cole would be more than happy to offer help. Just contact him at [email protected].
The wisdom that was passed onto us on how we can establish more extensive ways to go about treating others and researching for employment, was beneficial to hear. This will all be taken and ready for us to put to action when the time comes!
