Unveiling the Driving Force: Connecting Purpose and Career Path

QUESTION

Just as firms have capabilities and resources, so do YOU. And, just like firms, you need to have a strategy if you want to be successful. For this assignment,  I want you to think of more than just corporate, business, and functional level strategy. I want you to think about YOUR personal strategy for success.

Part 1: Watch this video and reflect

The first step is understanding what is your true “Why”  We talked about this on the first day of class, but I want you to take 20 mins and listen to this talk from a guy I really admire: Tony Robbins.

TED Talk Why we do what we do – Tony RobbinsLinks to an external site.

Still stuck on this after listening?  Take 2 more minutes and listen to our friend Simon Sinek give you another angle.

Simon Sinek – How to find your why.Links to an external site.

Now that you have done that, I want you to reflect on it and come up with your WHY.

1. Reflect on what your driving force(s) is/are. (Your motive)
   1. Certainty, Uncertainty, Significance, Connection, Growth, Contribution (or pick your own force)
2. Reflect on what your guiding force(s) is/are (Your meaning) (Why it’s your driving force above other

For me, when I started out, my driving force was connection.  I realized that I really loved connecting with people and believed that every person I met either had something to teach me or I needed to teach them or both.  And my guiding force was that I knew I needed to get back to Latin America. I had just returned from living in Latin America and I wanted more of that culture and its people. I felt it in my bones that there was something calling me back there.

Part 2: Draft a professional statement that goes at the top of your resume that connects your career path to a driving force.

What’s a professional statement?  It’s those five sentences at the beginning of your resume just under your name and contact info (see Resume Template for ideas)

A good professional statement does three things (usually in five sentences)

1.It mentions your current job title and professional experience.

2.It says how you want to help the employer achieve their goals.

3. It convinces them by highlighting info on your passions and achievements to prove you can deliver results when hired.

Let’s face it, you’re graduating and a little light on job experiences.  You can connect them to your why.  Here’s an example of what I might write (I’ll highlight my driving force).

Haslam Résumé Template Blank.docxDownload Haslam Résumé Template Blank.docx

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

“I am a candidate for the Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. I am seeking a job in international sales to assist (insert company name or industry name) to achieve its international expansion and market share goals in Latin America. I will utilize my passion for connecting with people and cultures along with my academic masteries to deliver results for my team and the organization. My proven track record in the past includes several achievements in both leadership and project management.”

To earn the points, you need to do 3 things:

1. Give me a couple of paragraphs about which diving force you identified with and why.

2.  Send me your professional summary

3.  Tell me what company or industry you are targeting to work in after you graduate and if you believe this will connect you with your driving force.

Can you please help me with this.

ANSWER

 Unveiling the Driving Force: Connecting Purpose and Career Path

Part 1: Identifying the Driving Force

In the quest for personal and professional success, understanding one’s true “Why” becomes paramount. After listening to Tony Robbins and Simon Sinek, I embarked on a journey of self-reflection to uncover my driving force—the motive that propels me forward in life and work. Through this introspective process, I realized that my driving force is Connection.

Connection, for me, goes beyond mere interactions; it is a profound desire to build meaningful relationships with people and cultures. I believe that every person I encounter has unique perspectives to share, and by engaging with them, I can learn and grow as an individual. Moreover, I am passionate about fostering cross-cultural connections, finding common ground, and promoting understanding among diverse communities. These connections allow for personal growth and continuous learning, making me feel alive and fulfilled.

Part 2: Professional Statement

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

As a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, my aim is to contribute to the world of global marketing and international business. I am determined to secure a position in an esteemed multinational corporation or organization, leveraging my skills to facilitate their expansion and market penetration efforts across culturally diverse regions, particularly in Latin America. My driving force, Connection, fuels my dedication to building strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders to drive collective growth and mutual success.

With a passion for bridging cultural gaps and embracing diversity, I envision myself playing a pivotal role in establishing global collaborations and strategic alliances. My academic accomplishments, complemented by internships and volunteering experiences in various cross-cultural environments, have equipped me with the ability to navigate complex international markets and understand the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics.

Part 3: The Target Company/Industry Alignment

In pursuit of my dreams, I am targeting prominent multinational companies with a strong presence in Latin America, specifically in the field of international marketing and business development. I firmly believe that such a career path will harmoniously align with my driving force, Connection. By working with diverse teams and engaging with clients from various cultural backgrounds, I can capitalize on my innate ability to relate to people and forge lasting connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

Within these organizations, I envision myself collaborating on projects that aim to nurture mutual growth and cooperation, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among team members and partners. Furthermore, I anticipate contributing to the creation of marketing strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity.

In conclusion, my driving force, Connection, forms the bedrock of my personal strategy for success. By embracing opportunities that allow me to connect with people, cultures, and markets on a global scale, I am confident in my ability to leave a lasting impact, not only in the professional realm but also in fostering understanding and harmony across the world. As I embark on this journey, I am eager to channel my passion and achievements toward building bridges of collaboration and unlocking new possibilities for individuals and organizations alike.