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What a CEO at Latina Advocates Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Advocacy Industry

Carol wishes someone had emphasized the critical role of networking and relationship building earlier in career, stating "your network is just as important as your resume" and that developing stronger relationships, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic, would have been beneficial. Furthermore, it would have been helpful to understand how imposter syndrome can manifest and to cultivate greater confidence in work from the beginning, while recognizing that integrity is paramount in the industry.

Networking, Leadership, Imposter Syndrome, Confidence, Integrity

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Carol Gonzalez

CEO

Latina Advocates

CSU Sacramento

​

Communications, Political Science, American Studies

Government & Public Sector

Consulting

HSI Grad, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student

Video Highlights

1. Networking is as important as your resume: Building connections early in your career can provide valuable learning opportunities and support, especially when transitioning into leadership roles.

2. Relationships are crucial: Developing strong relationships is essential for growth, both personally and professionally, and can be particularly important during challenging times like the pandemic.

3. Address imposter syndrome: Learning to be confident in your work early on can be beneficial in navigating the challenges of the industry.

Transcript

What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?

I think knowing that your network is just as important as your resume. I wish I'd known that. I wish I'd made an effort to connect with folks earlier on when I was younger.

I think I was very ambitious when I was younger, but I wish I'd known how much I would've learned from other people in my industry. Once I transitioned into a leadership role, I wish I'd developed those stronger relationships.

The pandemic was a time where I wish I could have grown a little more as an individual. I wish I'd had a little more of a heads-up on how important relationships are, because it truly is important.

It would have been great to understand how imposter syndrome kicks in at times. Learning to be a bit more confident in the work I do early on probably would have been helpful.

But I'm here and I'm doing it. I would definitely give tips to anyone going into the industry about understanding how important your relationships are. Integrity is also very important. I think that's a given in this industry because who you are takes you a long way.

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