Inspiring the NextGen Futures: Nurturing Emerging Talent
It was a truly heartwarming experience to have the opportunity to be a guest speaker, inspiring a group of graduate students at General Assembly. Witnessing the excitement on their faces, the eagerness to embark on their new journey, and the readiness to contribute back to the world filled me with immense joy.
Reflecting on this experience took me back to when I was in their shoes, attentively listening to a group of speakers sharing their journeys. Now, having traversed numerous experiences, I fully understand and acknowledge the challenges, ups, and downs that lie ahead for these graduating students. Throughout my session, I delved into my personal journey in design, sharing the invaluable lessons I gained after each milestone in my career. I highlighted how brands and businesses relied on my vision to achieve success through design, advertising, and UI/UX. My hope was that they could catch a glimpse of what awaits them, using the tips I offered to help and prepare them for the professional world.
The central theme of the session was about pushing past comfort zones, recognizing that mistakes are stepping stones to growth, and always giving your best effort. Here are my top 16 tips shared during the session:
Be Curious:
Cultivate a curiosity that drives continuous learning and exploration.
Be an Explorer:
Embrace the role of an explorer, constantly learning new things along the way.
Mistakes Help You Grow:
Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth, discoveries, and breakthroughs.
Unleash Yourself to the World:
Make yourself available and open to the myriad opportunities that come your way.
Take Breaks and Recharge:
Recognize the importance of taking breaks to recharge your mind and body.
Challenge and Push Yourself:
Step outside your comfort zone; growth happens when you push your limits.
Be Humble:
Work with people who share your passion, and approach your work with humility.
Network and Learn:
Meet and network with people to gain insights from their career experiences.
Reinvent Yourself:
Embrace reinvention from time to time, adapting to the evolving landscape.
Expose Yourself to Opportunities:
Say yes to experiences and expose yourself to a variety of opportunities.
Love the Process of Learning:
Cultivate a love for the process of learning new things every time.
Pursue What Excites You:
Chase after what excites you and aligns with your passions.
Pay It Forward:
Inspire others through meaningful conversations and share your knowledge.
Do Your Best:
Strive for excellence; it's not about trying your best, but doing your best.
You Are a Partner:
Recognize that you are a vital partner in the company, not just filling a role.
Be Patient and Enjoy the Journey:
Understand that the journey to your goals is a marathon; be patient, and relish the progress.
Remember, it's not about following a grand master plan, but about demonstrating fortitude and persistence. Lean on your abilities, passion, and work ethic. Be grateful, express gratitude, and never forget the power of storytelling—whether hearing, reading, or telling stories, they hold the essence of our journeys.