Classmates to Colleagues

Last Wednesday I was invited to participate in a panel discussion for the Arts & Sciences career services department at Ohio State. It was wonderful to be back on campus (especially during springtime) and have the opportunity to represent my company and the journey that’s taken me to the good ship EMG.

The one piece of advice I found myself dolling over and over throughout the seminar, Q&A and networking session was one simple thing: network. Something that isn’t emphasized enough, and hyped to mythical proportions as awkwardly forced conversation in an uncomfortable professional setting.

Truth is, we’ve been doing it since we were kids, and even in college, only substitute beer for coffee (in some cases…although I’d much prefer to network over beer). Networking is an intimidating word for making friends, for, if you think about it, without that personal connection, you’ll be a pretty forgettable individual- someone people wouldn’t want to call to hang out with again.

Forget the hype, just go out and see what other people have to offer. Everyone brings a perspective to the table and it’s fun to discover their passions.

This was the first year for the Classmates to Colleagues program, and I wish everyone who was in attendance the best of luck. Getting started in any career out of college is difficult, stressful and all around overwhelming. It’s a character defining process in which confidence is key. Hey, you might not get a job right out the gate, but you don’t have to look too far to find the tools you need to get where you need to be.

Humbled

It’s truly an honor and a pleasure to help out non-profits within the community through our Operation:Outreach program.

Last year I served as the PR/media relations arm for the Peppermint Pig thrift & Gift, a volunteer-run non-profit thrift store that uses all proceeds to support Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter.

This morning I received a letter from another supporter of the Peppermint Pig regarding the work we’ve done with them.

“Keep up the good work helping the abandoned animals! We bring donations into the PP at least once a month. We hope that in a small way we are helping out. We have seven stray cats that now make their home with us too.

Thanks again for involving yourself with the PP.”

Hope for a homeless pet can come in the smallest of gestures. If you’re looking for a new best friend, or have some gently used clothing that you’d like to donate, please go to the Peppermint Pig. More information about the store and Safe Haven can be found here: http://www.safehavenohio.org.