It's All About Passion, Attitude, and Patience

By Eddy Cruz, Director of Career Development

For our recent May graduates, for many, walking across the commencement stage brings with it a sense of jubilation as well as a perceived end point.  However, what many recent graduates fail to realize is that this point is not necessarily the end, rather a new beginning to what is to come.  So now after walking across the stage you begin to mentally prepare yourself for your impending job search, which ultimately leads to the first day within your new role as a professional. You realize the ability to take naps between classes is no more! The transition from college to career begins to set in and now you find yourself asking now what?  Well, it’s your lucky day, I would like to share three tips with you that were shared with me when I made a similar transition - oh, so long ago. So when starting out, keep in mind, it's all about passion, attitude, and patience.

Passion

Passion is key when beginning something new regardless of what it is. If you are not passionate about what you are doing it will show through in all that you do and will impact the outcomes of your work. Without passion, getting up every day for work will be work. This will lead you down a path of an unfavorable experience for both you and the organization. If you find yourself in a situation that is not what you hoped, you have two options, first, move on to a new position or second, find something within your role that you are passionate about and use this to inspire and motivate you. Passion propels you to do better and to be better. Every aspect of a position as you start your career will not always be something you are passionate about, however, it is all in how you approach it.

Attitude
Attitude is your approach to people, tasks, and conflict. Over my career I have had the opportunity to learn by observing and doing. Some of the greatest lessons I learned were from situations that did not directly involve me. I was able to observe from afar and gain some knowledge to use during similar situations in the future. When you find yourself in a new environment, take time to observe how your peers and leadership handle themselves in a variety of situations.  A wise man once said all humans make mistakes, but the wise learn from the mistakes of others. Do not blame others or circumstances for your mistakes. Take accountability and move forward. Another lesson learned is when I choose to have a positive attitude, I produce positive outcomes. You can learn a lot from others; emulate the positive and stay away from the negative behaviors.

Your approach to work is determined by the attitude you come in with. People do not want to be around others who are negative, a gossip, or a know-it-all. Keep focus in your work and maintain a positive attitude in all that you do. Leaders of your organization are always seeking out individuals with the right attitude with the desire to move the organization forward.

Patience

Another valuable lesson learned from a past mentor was the importance of patience. He would always say, "Let the DNA wrap around you!" Meaning, be patient and take the necessary time to learn about the organization. Allow yourself to become a part of the organization's DNA makeup.  By gaining this understanding you begin to understand where the organization is going and begin to live it as well. Additionally, it becomes easier to understand expectations; they make sense and become clearer.

All in all, I hope you are able to take some of these suggestions and learn from my experience. As you begin your career remember these three things as you start your journey. It's all about having passion for what you are doing, having the right attitude, and practicing patience, and you will get going in the right direction for career success!

My New Job at the Toppel Career Center

 By Toppel Peer Advisor, Kelly Martin

Starting any new job, it seems natural to feel nervous and unsure of how you will begin to fit into your new role. However, as one of the newest members of Toppel’s team, I have been given no reason to be nervous—everyone in the office has made me feel nothing but comfortable and welcomed from day one. Now, two weeks into my new position as a Toppel Peer Advisor, I have already learned so much from the grad assistants, my supervisors, and the entire office, and I feel like a real part of the Toppel team.

Not only have I learned how to critique resumes and cover letters, and how to help students at walk in advising, but I’ve also learned about all the amazing resources that Toppel provides to students. From various workshops, to career fairs, networking nights, career advising, and just about anything you could think of career-related, Toppel seems to have an answer to it all.

Now, as junior (almost senior!) who is beginning to face the fact that reality and my future career are fast approaching, I can’t help but feel that I wish I had taken advantage of the resources that Toppel offered sooner, and know I will definitely utilize them over the next year before graduation! Everyone at Toppel is so friendly and genuinely cares about helping students, that nobody should be intimidated by coming into the office and at least checking out what Toppel has to offer, or seeking advice on more specific questions related to your career. Toppel can help you develop in so many ways, and put you on the right track towards finding an internship or job!

As I begin to reach the final chapter of my time at UM, I reflect on my time and experiences, and wonder what I might tell my freshman self if I could. Though I wouldn’t change much about my time here in Miami, I think I would tell the 18 year old me to take advantage of every resource and opportunity that UM offers to its students. So to any freshman who is hesitant to try new things, or even to seniors trying to make the most of the end of their time at UM: take advantage of everything! Including the Toppel Career Center; nothing but friendly, helpful staff will greet you and make your experience at Toppel productive and worthwhile.