College Experiences That Helped an Executive Director Leadership Development Program at City and County of San Francisco Succeed
Linda, a PoliSci and languages major whose first job was at the White House, emphasizes that social science skills— "research analysis, good communication, written skills"— are broadly applicable. The most impactful advice offered is to be open to opportunities, cultivate strong people skills, and seek out a mentor who will provide challenging assignments and help expand skill sets beyond "getting all the facts correct."
Communication, Leadership, Career Development, Networking, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Linda Yeung
Executive Director, Leadership Development Program
City and County of San Francisco
University of California, Berkeley
Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Masters of Law and Diplomacy
Spanish & Other Languages, Political Science, American Studies
Government & Public Sector
Human Resources (HR)
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Be open to diverse job opportunities, as social science skills are applicable in various fields.
2. Develop strong people skills, communication, and presentation abilities to build trust and rapport.
3. Seek out volunteer assignments and mentors to gain new skills and expand your experience beyond your initial job description.
Transcript
What advice would you give students with a major in the social sciences who are not detail-oriented about finding their first job?
I am a detail-oriented person and understand the importance of that. But at some point, especially in your first job, you need to ask yourself what you really want to do.
Often, people enter roles based on circumstance. I majored in Political Science and World Languages, thinking I'd go into international trade. My first job was at the White House, doing trade negotiations.
What I realized after that was the skillset social sciences teach—research, analysis, good communication, and writing—is applicable in many jobs. Sometimes your first job might land in your lap, or you might join a company because a friend is going there.
Be open to possibilities because you've learned so much at Cal regarding analytical skills. However, that's not all that will carry you forward. Good people skills, presenting yourself in a trustworthy and likable way, being substantive in conversations, and being open to others' differences are crucial.
These qualities will help you in your career and your first job. It's not just about getting all the facts correct; it's about applying your skillset to benefit the organization.
I always volunteered for assignments, even those outside my job description. These were incredibly helpful in teaching me new skill sets.
Finally, try to know who you will be reporting to. A good supervisor can be an excellent mentor. They will challenge you and offer new assignments, helping you grow beyond what you initially envisioned for yourself.
So, don't just focus on being detail-oriented; consider the entire experience of your first job.
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