Jasmine Jennings

What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?

One piece of career advice I wish someone had given me earlier is: Don’t be afraid to explore and take risks early on. It’s easy to feel pressured into choosing a single path and sticking with it, but your career is a journey, not a one-way street. Trying different roles, learning new skills, or even switching fields can help you discover what you’re truly passionate about. Those experiences often open unexpected doors and give you a better understanding of what you enjoy and excel at. Embrace exploration in your career, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks that align with your curiosity and goals.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

YES , in the context of learning and development, gaining knowledge outside of formal settings can make a big difference! Many successful people take on side projects, internships, or volunteer work to build skills that complement their studies. For example: Internships: Many students find internships in their field of interest to gain real-world experience. Online Courses: With the rise of platforms like Coursera or Udemy, many build valuable skills by taking courses outside of the classroom. Clubs & Organizations: Joining clubs or student organizations can help develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Personal Projects: Some students take on personal projects, like starting a blog, coding an app, or volunteering, which can build specific expertise and show initiative. The idea is that learning doesn’t stop at school, and investing time in building practical skills or pursuing passions outside of academics can really enhance your career trajectory.

How did you start building your network?

1. Start with Classmates and Professors: While in school, many build connections with classmates and professors. These relationships often lead to future collaborations or career advice. 2. Join Clubs and Organizations: Participating in student clubs, professional organizations, or volunteer groups can be a great way to meet people who share similar interests and career goals. 3. Internships and Part-time Jobs: These experiences allow you to meet people in your desired industry. Staying in touch with supervisors or colleagues can lead to future job opportunities. 4. Attend Industry Events: Conferences, seminars, and workshops provide excellent opportunities to meet professionals in your field and start conversations. 5. Social Media and Online Platforms: Platforms like LinkedIn make it easier to connect with professionals, join relevant groups, and engage with content that builds your visibility. **The key to effective networking is maintaining genuine relationships, offering help to others, and staying in touch, even when you don’t need something right away.**

What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to get to where you are now professionally? How did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges people often face is imposter syndrome—the feeling of doubting their abilities or feeling like they don’t deserve their success. This can be especially tough early in a career when you're still learning the ropes. Here’s how many overcome it: 1. Embracing Growth: Understanding that everyone starts somewhere and that making mistakes or not knowing everything is part of the learning process. 2. Seeking Feedback: Regularly asking for feedback helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, boosting confidence and providing direction for growth. 3. Building a Support Network: Surrounding yourself with mentors, colleagues, or friends who provide encouragement and constructive criticism is vital for overcoming self-doubt. 4. Focusing on Achievements: Keeping track of accomplishments, however small, reminds you of the progress you’ve made and builds confidence over time. Ultimately, overcoming challenges like self-doubt requires persistence, a willingness to learn, and recognizing that growth is an ongoing process.