Significant Career Lesson From a Marketing Specialist at a Top Tech Company
Stella's significant career lesson emphasizes the importance of "first impressions" and proactively building relationships; making connections, even briefly, is crucial because "you never know when there's gonna be people in a room talking about who's gonna get promoted," advocating for strong performance and positive personal interactions.
Networking, Communication, First Impressions, Relationship Building, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Stella Landers
Marketing Specialist
Fortune 500 Technology Company
UC Santa Barbara
Communications
Technology
Communication and Marketing
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. First impressions are crucial in professional settings.
2. Building and maintaining relationships is key for career advancement, as it increases the likelihood of others advocating for you.
3. Networking and making connections within your workplace are important for career growth and opportunities.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
I would say two things. Number one, first impressions are huge and first impressions count.
And two, building relationships with people you meet is so important. Even if you're in just one meeting or have a small exchange, you never know when people will be in a room discussing promotions, project assignments, or open roles.
These conversations might be about opportunities that would allow you to utilize all your strengths. You want to know that someone in that room will advocate for you. All you have to do to make that happen is make a good first impression.
Always be curious. Ask questions and be genuinely interested in learning about other people – not just their role, but about them as individuals in a professional capacity. Present yourself as open-minded and curious.
You don't realize how much of your career is relationship-based until you start working. Building those connections is key. Make it a priority to network and build friendships and connections at work.
You want to know that someone will be in that room during promotion discussions, saying, "This person is amazing, not only at their role but as a person. They should be considered." That's the goal.
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, make those connections, and build those relationships.