Storytelling, Cartoons & Study Abroad Creatively shaping your future using your past The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This Power Point is available in alternative formats upon request.
Goals for this session 1. Define brand in the context of YOU 2. Recognize how this will help benefit you in the career development process 3. Begin developing your personal brand 4. Use narrative to articulate your key attributes and strengths
A story by Joe
Return on Investment of Study Abroad http://www.coursehero.com/blog/2011/09/15/infographic-the-roi-of-studying-abroad/
Brand is the perception or emotion, maintained by somebody other than you, that describes the total experience of having a relationship with you. David McNally & Karl D. Speak, Be Your Own Brand
Branding (without the irons) Brand is professional speak for what I stand for. A good brand is: Distinctive Relevant Consistent
Branding exercise What are your three most relevant and compelling attributes? 1. 2. 3. What makes you stand out?
Components of your brand SKILLS: basic competencies STANDARDS: how you do what you do STYLE: where the subjective and emotional come in to play
Your brand & your career First target your job. Choose a right fit for both you and the place you want to end up. Know what you ll be doing/selling/who you ll be serving ( you gotta serve somebody ) Articulate transferable skills. Ground yourself. Be honest. To be able to articulate what you can do, you need to know who you are and where you came from (your origin story ). And you must always be revising.
Features/Benefits Efficient I take deadlines seriously, and get through my to do list quickly in order to have more time for larger projects. Deliberate I like everything I do to have a specific reason behind it, with a specific goal in mind. I weigh several considerations on the fly in order to make the best decision I can in each situation. I want everything I touch to be better in some way once it has left my hands.
Your turn 1. Think about your features. (They can be related to the attributes you identified earlier or not) 2. Articulate the benefits of the feature. Next, we ll: 3. Think of a specific illustration of those benefits through something you ve done (bonus points if it s study abroad related).
Example features Resourceful Hardworking Creative Passionate Energetic Strategic Motivating Good listener Patient Versatile Leader Assertive Multi-tasker Critical thinker Analytical Teacher Inspiring Trustworthy Fun Thorough Risk-taker Engaging Well-prepared Ambitious
What have you done? Think of a specific illustration of those benefits through something you ve done (bonus points if it s study abroad related). I like everything I do to have a specific reason behind it, with a specific goal in mind. I weigh several considerations on the fly in order to make the best decision I can in each situation. I want everything I touch to be better in some way once it has left my hands.
Past successes Redesigned something or reorganized a process Helped with an event that was wildly successful Swooped in to solve a problem in a crucial situation
Your personal mission statement Professional identity Past successes (can be at work, in the community, at home, while abroad) Core values and strengths Problems you are good at solving/ways you contribute or make a difference (in the world, at home, at work, etc.) What you love to do What you re known for Your next step (identify themes and goals)
Example positioning statement I am an educator who is passionate about supporting the growth and education of others in whatever context that might be. I believe in empowerment and will treat all people with the same respect regardless of race, gender, ability or disability. In relationships with my coworkers, my supervisors, and my clients, I will strive to be humble, considerate, honest, and wise. I value and keep my word. I hold myself accountable and give myself credit. I also recognize that I m part of a larger community. As such, I will strive to encourage and support the dreams and aspirations of others, learn about others, and contribute to the betterment of my community.
A bit about creativity
1. Can someone overseas do it cheaper? 2. Can a computer do it faster? 3. Is what I m offering in demand in this age of abundance?
Enhancing creativity Read Daniel Pink s book A Whole New Mind. Carry a sketchbook and use it. Get used to using images as well as words to express yourself. Draw/sketch/paint. These activities nurture your right brain, so some form of visual imagery creation is great practice on a regular basis. Write. Reflect. Repeat. Experiment with digital storytelling
Tell a story Write a short narrative featuring your chosen attributes as it relates to your study abroad experience.
Xue s Digital Story
Becky s Digital Story
Thank you! Brian Liesinger University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center liesi001@umn.edu 612-624-2595