By Tiffany Young
Online Career Tips Contributor
March is Women’s History Month to honor the hundreds of women who have made tremendous journeys, both past and present. This motivated me to think about the women who have directly impacted my life. I could note my fifth grade teacher who first talked to me how careers and planted the seed to consider a career as an author. Or, my seventh grade teacher who encouraged me to enter a book contest in which I received an honorable mention.
There is also First Lady Michelle Obama, who inspires and motivates a generation of women to get fit and volunteer. I could go back in history to some great women leaders too, but the one thing all of these women don’t have in common is being my mother. My mother is the one who has inspired me to pursue a career in communications. She taught me to go after every opportunity to advance my career.
Here are three career lessons that I learned from my mother:
1. Believe in yourself
I learned so much from my mother about knowing your self-worth and believing you can do anything. She used to tell me this during the times I felt I could not complete a project. She offered a couple of tips that have often come in handy: pray about it and know that if I work hard for it things will happen.
Two years ago, I was laid off. It was the scariest and most rewarding experience of my life. I was nervous to apply for jobs that I thought were above me, but even more scared to apply for entry-level jobs. But, I knew I had a lot to offer. I remembered all of the skills that I learned and added those to my resume.
2. Live your life so you can have options
My younger sister and I are very different. She is an introvert and I’m the extravert. I am the one who would go skydiving; she is the one who would evaluate all risks associated and still not do it. My adventurous nature has sent me on several conferences nationwide and I booked a solo international trip. My mother always taught me make good decisions so that you can do what you want. Live your life and have options. As I polish up my skills and look for new opportunities, I am considering learning a new language. Maybe it will take me abroad for work one day.
3. Don’t eat lunch alone
Since childhood, my mother has encouraged me not to eat lunch alone. Even as an adult, she insisted on me being sociable. First days of school were spent evaluating my classmates and picking the funniest, brightest, and friendly person to dine with. That still applies today for me as an adult. Those who I have lunch with now, time together is never wasted. We brainstorm over coffee and help each other on projects while enjoying sandwiches and soup. I try to never eat lunch alone because you never know when the next great idea will come about.
About the Author
Tiffany Young is the manager of public relations for American Public University System. She has more than seven years of experience in media relations, event management, and public relations. She earned a certificate in Public Relations from the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies and received a B.A. in Mass Communications from Virginia State University.
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