The Symposium - Lessons and Learning

Just a few days ago, I had the pleasure of attending the ISM Business Symposium. There, I got to meet with several ISM 2 students, ISM alumni, and professionals in their respective fields. The overall experience was wonderful, if a bit nerve-wracking.

I got over my jitters in the first ten minutes of rotations while meeting the other ISM students in my group by spilling water on top of myself and another person. Thankfully, there were only other students there to witness my blunder. I'd reckon that I couldn't do much else that would top that mistake in a controlled environment, so I somehow left the first station feeling confident in myself.

I had the pleasure of meeting a director of corporate relations at the University of Texas at Dallas. The director had marketing experience, something that relates to my interest in business analytics. Practicing my skills as both an interviewee and interviewer was challenging, but I found myself enjoying my conversation with the professionals.

I also had the opportunity to hear from students who had taken ISM before and learned of the obstacles I am likely to face with this year. The act of finding a mentor, professionals to interview, an original work, and a final product to create happen to be the most important, and most difficult aspects of this class. The act of finding people to interview and creating an original work are both to come soon in my journey this year.

I got to learn more about cold calls, as well. While I knew of the concept, I was reminded of how succinct and precise one has to be in order to execute one. The inherent risk of rejection is not something to be afraid of, however may sting when it comes down to it.

Overall, I feel more clear on the next few steps I need to take this semester and am more confident in my communication skills! With one quarter of the school year already gone, I am restless to speak to more professionals and work to find a mentor.