Shirfei Tay: Reflection on Being a PCC
What are your top two career prep recommendations?
Embarking on a career journey can be daunting, filled with uncertainties and questions. As you navigate through this maze of possibilities, there are two steps that I took to help with this process: informational interviews and crafting a compelling personal story.
- Informational Interviews: Network, network, network…
While cold calling and coffee chats can be intimidating, having informational interviews is key to unlocking insights into your desired field. Informational interviews can allow you to forge genuine connections with professionals who can offer valuable guidance. It doesn’t always lead to a potential job but having those insights can help you determine whether or not a field is fit for you.
Once you set up an informational interview, it is extremely curical to do your homework for it. Prepare tailored questions that demonstrate your genuine interest and curiosity about their career journey, challenges faced, and lessons learned. This will not only expand your knowledge but more importantly, also cultivate relationships that may lead into mentorships or even job opportunities down the line.
- Crafting Your Narrative (Elevate Your Elevator Pitch)
While a polished elevator pitch is essential, your personal narrative holds even greater power. During interviews, recruiters seek to understand the person behind the resume. Crafting a narrative that highlights key moments, challenges overcome, and lessons learned humanizes you and leaves a lasting impression.
Weave your experiences into a cohesive story that showcases your resilience, adaptability, and unique perspective. For instance, when asked about weaknesses, use the opportunity to connect your challenges to growth experiences from your journey.
Why do you enjoy being a PCC?
As my time at SCU comes to an end, I reflect on my experiences as a Peer Career Consultant (PCC). I find immense joy in guiding younger students through the complicatedness of career exploration. Having once been in their shoes, I understand the confusion and apprehension that accompany this journey. Having a mentor to lean on was pivotal for me, and I aspired to offer my guidance to others.
I learned that this role isn’t just about giving out advice; it's about offering empathy, understanding, and actionable strategies tailored to each individual's unique circumstances. Moreover, Brenda, our director curates enriching speaker sessions that offer invaluable insights and perspectives, easing our transition from seniors in college to full-time professionals. These sessions not only broaden our horizons but also arm us with the tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the workforce.