Alcorn State University’s (ASU) National Association of Black Journalists and the Mass Communications Club hosted a Lunch and Learn with Director of Career Services Felecia Pittman as guest speaker on October 22nd at 12:30 pm in Room 214 in the Industrial Technology Building.
This event was held to help students find different career opportunities beginning with resume building and the interview process. Pittman began with a brief introduction about herself which included her duties as Director of Career Services at ASU. She then went into how to properly brand yourself and the steps one should take to get their name to stick out for future employers. She stated that, “There are brands out there that are identifiable everywhere, and what I want you to work on and to consider is your own personal brand. It’s true that you have one chance to make a first impression, so it’s good to do it correctly the first time.” Consistency is a key factor for personal branding and one must be willing to go the extra mile so that everything plays out as it should. She also pointed out that it is very challenging for African American females to establish a personal brand because of the constant changing of their hair.
Pittman then went on to explain how sometimes people don’t necessarily get to know your brand. She told the audience that there are two types of branding which are, online personal branding and in-person branding. Some places that you would create your online brand are on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. These sites are visible avenues where people can see you and your brand. However, some sites can damage your reputation because of certain things that you post.
Next, Pittman had students create an elevated pitch to try and prep them to sell themselves to an employer. In an elevated pitch you say who you are right now, such as your name, major, and classification then you would state what you do or something you have done that you’re passionate about. Two students did a mock elevated pitch with Pittman upon which she gave constructive criticism to both. After the presentation she called on students and asked them what were their plans for the future and gave them a potential elevated pitch they could use at an interview.
If you have any questions about the interviewing process or establishing a career after college contact the Office of Career Services at (601) 877-6380.