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 

Mastering Effective Communication

Many public relations professionals, myself included, live their lives by lists. Nothing beats the satisfaction of another red check mark in my planner. Our first “Real World Read” combines personal experiences, motivational success stories and a simple list of do’s and don’ts to connect the dots of effective communication.

David Grossman uses powerful storytelling and practices he’s seen in action for notable clients worldwide in his latest book “No Cape Needed.”

photo courtesy of yourthoughtpartner.com

His tips come to life with vivid imagery and examples while using his own advice in the text. Although it will be a great addition to your collection, it’s not one that should sit on a shelf after a first read. It is a resource to help you master the power of effective communication on a daily basis.

No Cape Needed is available online at www.yourthoughtpartner.com/no-cape-needed and on Amazon.

What are your latest reads? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate 

Embracing Change

After my quarterly evaluation, I was able to analyze the audience and reach of my blog posts and strategize a plan to build my readership and keep my current supporters coming back.

I’m excited to introduce, “Real World Wednesdays,” a timeline that will embrace the blog’s audience and allow you access to new content on weekdays at noon.  Grab lunch and come on over to the website to review fresh posts each week.

Look out for “Real World Recipes,” Real World Reads” and more advice, news and information from “The Real Me.”

Please subscribe and share any feedback or suggestions for future content below.

There is much more to come… Stay tuned!

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate

Preparing for a New Academic Year

My best friend, Jasmine, and I during freshman orientation June 15, 2011 at Southeastern Louisiana University. 

Summer has almost come to an end; soon will come the days when yellow buses return to the roadways, weekends are filled with football and social media is flooded with #FirstDaySelfies, student complaints and countdowns to midterms, finals, and (of course) graduation.

Five years ago I moved to Hammond, LA to start my journey through college. Today, I reminisce on my days as a student, two short months and a couple degrees later. Here is my advice to students at all stages of their academic careers.

1.       Get involved. I recommend joining a minimum of four organizations including social/service, academic/ honors, religious and career-related. Take your membership a step further by being more than a name on the roster. Accept leadership roles; attend meetings. Make new friends. 

2.       Take advantage of available resources. Utilize access to free gym memberships, tutors, athletic events, counseling services, prints, etc. They won’t always be free and are offered to help you transition and succeed.

3.       Manage your time wisely. It can be hard to balance school, social life, and part-time jobs, but it is possible and necessary. Find a system that works best for you and use it.

4.       Plan ahead. Whether you’re graduating in four months or four years map out your road to success and the steps it will take to achieve your goals.  

5.       Be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices. You will not be able to buy every cute new pair of shoes or attend every dinner party. Remember you’re in college to earn a degree.

6.       Learn how and when to say no. It’s OK; there are thousands of students who can say yes when you want or need to take a pass.

7.       Make memories. Meet your president; attend a football game. Contribute service hours in The Big Event. Build or continue a legacy and develop stories that you can share later in life.

8.       Enjoy the moments. They will pass fast. Don’t let stress steal the spotlight of your college experience. FYI: I haven’t met an employer who has asked to see my transcript, but I’m asked about my experiences with every new job opportunity. They are all more interested in how I started a Chapter of PRSSA, interviewed our most notable Southeastern Alumna, Robin Roberts, and the hectic week I attended a conference in Washington, DC, fulfilled duties as a Homecoming Maid and still made it home in time for the Washington Parish Free Fair.

Your time in college may not be the best years of your life, but it is time you will never be able to get back. Carpe Diem!

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate