Falling Again

Excitement overwhelms me each October as we enter the last quarter of the year. Its celebration season, and I must admit I’m ready to let the fun begin. The most wonderful time of year follows my favorite season and then comes the start of a new year. Before we get to resolutions, let’s enjoy the final months of 2016.

Outside of my birthday and the opportunity to reconnect with my classmates, campuses and peers, below are five things I fall for each year.

1.       Family: Without them, holidays and celebrations are not complete. Those who travel from many miles and across state lines are an added bonus.

2.       Football: Although the season is in full swing, Homecoming takes the celebration to the next level. Fortunately, I’ll get to roar and soar this year. The Lions and Golden Eagles will host their opponents back to back during the last two weeks of the month.

3.       Fashion: I’ve never been a fan of Louisiana heat and humidity, but a proud supporter of the transition to fall trends complete with boots, scarves, hats and more.

4.       Fair: The best thing about the small town at the tip of the boot is the annual event that draws visitors near and far. The fair in Washington Parish is the world’s largest and a Franklinton tradition I have yet to miss.  

5.       Food: From crawfish and snowballs to gumbo and cocoa, nothing beats hearty meals and sweet recipes.  

What is your favorite season and why? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine

Tripping on Tips

When seeking job opportunities outside of your current state of residence one of the biggest challenges is securing and participating in interviews. Although video and phone sessions are sometimes an option in the early stages of the selection process, most employers will eventually want to meet the potential newest addition to their team face-to-face. After a recent four-hour commute for a five-minute interview, I decided I would make more of my traveling opportunities moving forward.  

Last week I took a trip to Houston, TX and returned home with many memories, lessons and budding relationships. I extended my stops in the city beyond the locations of the interview building and post office and opted for a more rewarding experience. While exploring the city I discovered several interesting facts and bragging rights of the most philanthropic city in the country, which also houses America’s largest airport and rodeo.

After securing my spot in Super Bowl LI festivities, I’m excited to extend my Houston experience while visiting for training and the big event. Below are three simple tips to make the most of your future road trips.

1.       Research and visit popular attractions and dining options in the area.

2.       Schedule informational interviews with other businesses of interest in the city.

3.       Visit family and friends along the way.

What are your favorite things to do when traveling to new places? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

Moving On

Earlier during the summer after a long hiring process, I kept thinking “you have to finish your current chapter before starting a new one.” Although I had high hopes, there was no certainty of anything in my future. I wanted to hold on to what I had until I knew what was next.

I consistently reflect on the advice of highly successful individuals who always advise others to take risks, which is not easy for many, including myself. The “what ifs” run laps in my mind and sometimes keep me from seeing the bigger picture.

A voice in my head kept telling me to let go. So I thought let’s try and see what happens.  I resigned from my job at Kohl’s and then received an email I had been anticipating.

This week I spent “Real World Wednesday” climbing up and down three flights of stairs moving all of my belongings from the place I’ve called home for the last two years. Yesterday I passed the torch as the supervisor of the Intimates and Accessories Departments at Kohl’s and ended a five-year career in retail.

Toward the end of my high school years, I asked my dad if I could get a part-time job. His response: “You have your whole life to work. Enjoy not working while you can.”

At the time, I had no bills, no responsibilities, just wants. Fast forward five years later: I’m in the same position, but I have more knowledge, experience, and skills. During my time in Hattiesburg, I learned and grew mentally, spiritually and professionally. I got to know myself better. I learned what I want from my career and life - and why.

In high school when asking my dad if I could get a job I wanted to work so I could buy clothes, shoes, accessories and handbags. Today, I apply for positions with a strong desire to make an impact in the lives of others and maintain a long, successful career. The advice my father gave me five years ago is still true today.

The email I received didn’t contain the information or offer I hoped for. However because I have my whole life to work, I’ve decided to ignore the advice of people who say “get a job and move on with your life.” Instead, I’ll keep seeking opportunities to enter a position that I enjoy.

Fortunately for me, there is no rush to find work to repay student loans. Although I have a good bit of what I call “Daddy Debt” my father still welcomed me back home. I have moved seven times within the last five years. My goal is to move one within the next five. I have accepted my reality and am not willing enter a place where I see many of my classmates and friends: dreading Monday-Friday, counting the seconds to 5 p.m. and using the bathroom and social media breaks as an escape from work. I’m moving on... just on my own terms.

Sometimes you do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do and everything does not always go as planned.

“Welcome to the real world!”

XX, 

Jasmine C. Tate

Meeting Bay

I'm extremely grateful for Bill and his invitation to join the community. Bill is the founder and CCO of the IW Group, Inc. and started the National Millennial Community. 

A small selection of the National Millennial Community at Spitfire offices. 

Chelsea Eytel, D'Anthony Jackson and I stopped for a photo while touring the Golden State Warriors' Headquarters and representing The University of Southern Mississippi.

Thanks to the Warriors' organization for providing memorabilia from the 2015 Championship Title. 

Although we had a pretty busy schedule, we took a short break by the bridge.  

The eBay campus was the last stop on our tours of the Bay.

From the Golden Gate Bridge to the home of the Golden State Warriors, last week’s visits in the San Francisco Bay Area exceeded my expectations and renewed my excitement about the start of my career. Networking earned me an exceptional opportunity to become a member of the National Millennial Community, a group of individuals united with a common goal to join and change the conversation about our generation.

Members of the community have unique connections to companies and individuals that might not otherwise be accessible. While in San Francisco, my colleagues and I participated in meetings with several executives from businesses including the Verizon Innovation Center, Shift Communications, Wells Fargo, Spitfire, the Golden State Warriors, eBay and Google, Inc.

Serving as consultants on many stops, we gained exposure to diverse perspectives and a platform to share our personal positions. Although I knew I would enjoy the trip before I boarded my flight, during each visit I felt as if the tours were planned and organized specifically around my career interests including executives in my dream job (community relations’ director) and industry (professional sports).

“This business does take you places,” said Eric Bresler, Executive Director of the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center. “Our industry keeps you young, keeps you moving and keeps you motivated.”

But only two percent of applicants are hired according to Jennifer Cabalquinto, Golden State Warriors’ Chief Financial Officer, which means “you have to have applicable skills.” Good news followed as she assured us that there are several doors into the building of your career.

Inspiration continued as we engaged with a young professionals’ panel of Google employees who offered motivation and realistic expectations.

Of course, you have to “put in the work to get there.”

          - Brendan Chan, Program Manager | Customer Experience and Strategic Programs

“You should follow your dreams, but do it responsibly.”

          - Tiffany Siu, Product Marketing Manager | Google Analytics 360 Suite

 “Bad experiences lead to great learning and happiness is the guiding principal” [of a fulfilled life and successful career.]

          - Mona Weng, Global Business Development Manager | Waze

“You learn a lot more when you’re learning together.”

          - Alice, Web Solutions Engineer

Remember you have 30-50 years to start and maintain a prosperous career. Forget about work-life balance. It doesn’t matter if you’re working at 5 a.m. or 10 p.m. if you love what you do. After all, work is part of life. 

Have you met Bay? If not, now is a great time to travel as airline prices decrease. Be sure to catch Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon Production; it’s a very entertaining show.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate