Session 10: Peer Forum
March 26, 2009
5. Provide online feedback: Peer forum
Act as a peer mentor / forum member / personal board. Read the following two cases and provide advice to each on this post as a comment before the next class. See GUIDELINES at bottom.
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REMINDER TO ALL WEL STUDENTS:
1. Place the words “Student case” before your tagline (www.HotMommasProject.org. Login and go to “my cases” and click “edit” if you have not done this. The tagline can be changed in step 3.)
2. If you do not want this case to come up in a search engine, or for other priacy reasons, REMOVE YOUR LAST NAME FROM YOUR CASE. This is up to you, but, please know this case is out there just like a blog.
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GUIDELINES FOR COMMENTING:
- If you have advice: Use “I” statements. Share experience, not advice. Your feedback should share similar experiences and what you did, not “you should” advice for the case protagonist. Share what you feel comfortable sharing.
- If you have comments in praise or how the case impacted you – feel free to share.
- Place the protagonist first name prior to your answer
- Type “WEL” in front of your first name in the name section of the comments form
- Give it some mental real estate
Peer cases for this week (recommendation – LOG IN FIRST):
Find on www.HotMommasProject.org case library or click on names below:
You can sort by “title” in the library which will order by author’s first name.
You will need to log in to see the entire case and benefit from the full features (appendix, discussion questions, Facebook links, etc.)
GW WEL Students: Type “WEL” followed by your first name in the name form. NOTE: If any information is confidential, let Prof Frey know and we will create a separate confidential blog.
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TO DO: PRESENTERS (i.e., Your case is being read/presented)
AFTER CLASS ON THURSDAY (all comments in), PLEASE REVIEW THE RESPONSES AND PREPARE A “PRESENTER SUMMARY” which is the following:
FORMAT: Title it “WEL – PRESENTER SUMMARY – YOUR FIRST NAME” All caps.
1. How did the forum’s (class) comments help you?
2. Any specific takeaways that stand-out?
3. Any action steps you will be taking as a result.?
Again, post it after class to ensure you are the LAST post.
[...] Entrepreneurial Leadership Class Blog Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership « Session 10: Peer Forum Session 10: SUMMARY March 26, 2009 Session 10 PPT Link ************************** [...]
Jennifer,
Knowing you very well as one of the bet friends I could ask for, I know already that you have taken tremendous steps towards finding the best answer FOR YOU, and that you have so many exciting possibilities. You’re passion for and devotion to your marketing career and living in a city you love is inspiring for the rest of us to continue fighting for what it is that we really want. I know you will find your dream job in NYC, and I would bet that it’s just around the corner.–Not that I have any selfish reasons for wanting you there.
Laura,
It’s amazing to me to read both yours and Jennifer’s cases reflecting situations at the beginning of the semester and to see how much has changed since then. I’m impressed as a friend and peer to hear about the steps you taken to marry your personal career objectives with those of your husband. You’ve managed to not only be flexible, but maintain your priorities. How do you do it? Congrats to you, and I hope you don’t mind visitors!
Jennifer, I admire how certain you are about becoming a marketing executive and moving to New York City. Regardless of how tough it is right now to find positions, you have a clear idea of where you’d like to be and that is an important step in the right direction. Recently, I have struggled in a similar way about applying to law schools. Where I see myself going is different from my parents opinion, and its hard for me to go against them because I know they have my best interests in mind (and are usually right). At some point, however, I need to just follow my instincts. I have worked very hard to be in the position to apply for law school, and it wouldn’t be right to put my own ambitions aside. Because there are other people in my life who are important to me, I have to listen and carefully consider their advise… but at the end of the day you have to follow your instincts. The idea of “calculated risk” we have discussed in class applies nicely to this situation. I hope this helps, good luck.
Laura, it’s really interesting how you were eventually able to connect the dots between your undergraduate education and newly found passion for environmental issues. I think this really demonstrates a unique ability. Some people are just able to discover how they can best contribute and what their interests are in any setting. This is really an advantage because these people can make the most of their situations and cater their work environment to portraying their points of strength. It might help to consider this when thinking about what you will do after graduation. In my experience having the confidence in yourself to succeed in any setting can help make the job search process a lot less daunting.
Jennifer,
your dilemma is for sure a difficult one and the decisions to make, who to please cannot be easy. That being said, your happiness should always come first. As long as you are happy, the people you love will be happy. It is fantastic that you know what you want to do and you have a path you want to follow. Having an eye-opening experience (living in New Orleans, having surgery) seemed to change your life for the better. I, too, graduate from GW in May (as an undergraduate though) and my dream city is NYC and I am also trying to actively pursue a career in marketing/PR/advertising. It is extremely difficult. I even have a ton of connections and companies who said “we would hire you if we could afford to.” My dad calls NYC “the jungle” right now and it truly is. After looking at job opening in DC versus NYC, DC is THE place to live right now in the economic climate; it seems as though there is just more available. Also, if your boyfriend has no desire to move to NYC, does that impact your decision? Can you see yourself marrying him? If yes, maybe staying in DC for a few years and making the decision with him to move to NYC in the future could be a good negotiation. Most importantly though, do what makes YOU happy!
Laura,
Upon reading your case, I felt as though I could identify with a lot of your issues with a liberal arts education as well. I understand how frustrating it is in college to have little help from administration in determining the right and wrong career paths. I even tried a seminar at the career center (which I even had to pay for!) that was of no help to me either. As annoying as it was that it took so much time to discover your passion, it’s great that you were able to do so. As we have had conversations in class, I am pretty certain that you are moving to Hawaii which was decided after this case was written? If so, maybe you can utilize GW’s career center to help you find a job there where you can apply your knowledge of the environment. These networking events could also help. Also, it seems that certain parts of the country are suffering less from the recession than others; maybe this is the case in Hawaii? Just questions to consider. Good luck with your move and finding your dream job!
Jennifer- I can definitely relate to your dilemma; quite often I run into problems where I must decide between doing something that makes me happy or choosing the alternative that will please others. You have been extremely successful so far in your academic and professional endeavors, and from my experience, the best thing to do when stuck at a crossroad is to weigh the pros and cons of the situation and discuss with all parties involved. If you do this, you may be able to come to a solution that will be please you, your boyfriend, and your family. I am also feeling the pressures from the down economy, and it seems like I’ll never find a job. Like you, I have been debating whether or not I want to open up my job search to positions that I might not have considered before. I decided that New York is where I want to be, so at this point I am still sticking with that criterion. I have been attempting to look into more diverse jobs, but I am trying not to deviate from my preferences too much because I still want to find something that will make me happy. I am have been keeping an open mind and a positive outlook, and remembering that the first job I get out of school will not be the job I have for life; there will be plenty of opportunities to take advantage of in the future.
Laura- I think its great that you found a way to incorporate your interests into your career. Not many people are able to find a job they truly enjoy, and it is still something I am working to achieve. The effects of the economy right now are far-reaching, and it might be tough to find a job in your ideal field at first. I am struggling right now as well, and I’ve had to be more flexible in my job search. Even if your husband gets relocated, you may still be able to find the job of your dreams eventually. I can relate to your anxieties, but I keep reminding myself that I am still young and there is plenty of time to find my ideal career. I understand that I may need to make sacrifices now in order to benefit later on. Hopefully you and your husband will be able to come to a solution that makes everyone happy. Good luck!
Jennifer,
As a senior graduating in May, I can totally commiserate on the horrible state of the economy. It’s truly awful to be venturing out into the real world only to realize there are no jobs anywhere! It sounds like you’ve had some great experience though, plus with your MBA, you’re definitely one step ahead of the game. Regarding your personal challenges- just do what is right for you, otherwise you might have regrets later. It seems like you still have some big goals you want to accomplish, and if you’re anything like me, I’n sure you’ll need to follow those dreams otherwise you’ll go stir crazy. I hope that the people you love will support you and your dreams!
Laura,
I am extremely jealous of you! The graduate degree you’ve chosen sounds awesome and I could definitely see myself going down that road in a few years. Like you were, I am struggling to narrow down my interests to find a field of study/employment I will both enjoy and be challenged at (while actually making a decent paycheck). It gives me a bit of hope to know you succeeded in this!
Jennifer
Firstly I think we can all understand how you feel about the current state of the economy and how this would affect your job hunt. It can’t be easy knowing that you have to go out soon to try and look for a job, especially if you have a certain job in a certain city in mind; it can really make reaching your goal hard. But at the same time, I really think it’s also something very courageous to be able to say, “This is what I want in life”, and to be dedicated enough to still be on the hunt for what it is that you really want. You mentioned that you thought, ‘the definition of adulthood included making sacrifices and doing things that are not fun’, but later on you talk about knowing that you and your boyfriend were willing to make sacrifices for each other. While at times you might have to make sacrifices, I hope you never give up your dream of working in New York City in a marketing position, even if it means having to things that aren’t fun for now, it’s important at the same time to keep looking. You could get a job that’s in a not-so-ideal city but that relates to what you want to do in NY, and maybe in the mean time try and build up your resume so that when you finally get the opportunity to go to NY, nobody would be able to turn you down for a job offer!
Laura
Again, as I stated for Jennifer, I can understand how the way the economy looks right now can really scare somebody on the lookout for a good job. Earlier in your case you wrote that you, ‘were having a difficult time connecting [the fun things you were studying in school] to actual job functions’. I can more than understand this statement, there are classes now that I really enjoy for different reasons, but when I look at them as a whole, I have a hard time seeing what kind of job I want to look for when the time comes for me to graduate. I’m glad that you had your ‘aha’ moment, because this at least shows me that I don’t have to follow the regular career path that others in my studies follow (like you and deciding not to go to law school), and at the same time you sound like you really enjoy what you did at your internship now that you know you can apply what you know and love to a real career. While other factors might delay your goals for now, don’t give up, the economy will get better, and I’m sure that you and your husband will figure things out if an opportunity presents itself to you.
Laura, I think that it is great that you sought out a grad school program that focuses on corporate sustainability. I agree that it is important that we enjoy our work and find a way that our job matches what we are passionate about. It must feel empowering to know that you’ve narrowed down your academic/career interests very specifically.
Jennifer, I think your academic and professional profiles probably shine well on your resume. Good luck to all of us on the job search! I was inspired by the fact that you studied and worked in Paris and London. I’ve worked and lived in NYC so after that it’s hard to imagine the next best place being anywhere within the US. It would be my dream to take business trips to the international cities you’ve been to. The part I found intriguing is your personal challenge of wanting to work in NYC, knowing that your boyfriend practices law locally. I am currently in a long-distance relationship and having a hard time planning my next step in conjunction with my girlfriend’s agenda too. I wonder if most entrepreneurs go through this. Or if the only answer is to marry another entrepreneur who understands this need for personal and professional freedom.
Laura: I can definitely relate to your situation. My husband and I are also struggling with my job search. He has a great job but eventually we want to move back to my hometown where there are fewer opportunities for us both. Sometime between now and the next few years we are either going to have to make a decision to live apart (yes, I would live with my parents!) so I can chase my dreams in my hometown and wait for a position for him to open in his career field or stay in NOVA and both work until we are able to both find jobs in our desired location. Although we are both making a conscious effort to look for jobs in my hometown, it would be ridiculous for him to leave his job without securing another position first. I guess I am in the same predicament as you, do I just take a job in this area to keep our family (us and our dog) under one roof or do we make the living apart sacrifice for the better of our future? Thanks for sharing your case
Jen: I feel like your case, Laura’s case and my life are very similar. What do we do now in this economy?? As I mentioned above, my husband and I would love to move back to my hometown now but it is just unrealistic. And like you, my parents want us to settle down and start a family of our own, not that I really listen to them. However, I have always pictured myself as a career woman with a family. I know my husband is ready to move with me but the opportunities are not presenting themselves. Also, I feel like I have found my passion in graduate school and I don’t want to just settle for a job to pay the bills. I want to start my career, not just another job. Thanks for sharing your case.
Disclaimer: I know these two wonderful women very well! It was challenging to find some piece of my life they don’t already know
Jennifer – I think that at some point of us in the WEL class are going to face the questions you are facing now. As of right now, all I know is that we should do what is best for ourselves because no one else can live our lives for us. Not too long ago, I was driving myself crazy because my boyfriend of 6 years had not proposed yet, so I could make no plans with him for the future. I was so frustrated about things that I decided that from then on I was going to plan my future by myself, and make myself happy. Now, I plan my vacations when I want, I will find jobs in places that I want, and I am doing things the way I want, period. I know that the economy might not be helping us right now, but I decided that I will work my way around it – having a job will be a blessing in itself. Good luck with your decisions! I hope you can find what is the best option for you
Laura – Work decisions and uncertainty are so difficult to face. I am a senior, but I am graduating in Dec., so I don’t know exactly how it is going to be when it comes my turn to find a job. Like I mentioned in Jennifer’s comment, in this economy we should be thankful to even have a job. I do have high hopes that in a few years things are going to start flourishing again, and that most of us will find our dream jobs. I am in the HR area, but I know that I might have to settle for what is out there right now in the job market. On the other hand, I think that nothing should keep us from achieving our career dreams. Therefore, if it is not the economy keeping us from our dreams (we can’t control it), we should go for it! Good luck finding a job!
Jennifer, I can definitely understand what you are going through, to some degree. Right now, I am still looking for summer internships in NYC for the summer, since I will be going home. I have applied to many places since early this year, but I yet to hear back from anyone. Last week I also read a report that stated that the unemployment rate for the city has drastically increased to 8.1%, a number that was not good news to me. I also was thinking about broadening my search, and perhaps look elsewhere. However, I really want to go home this summer and my parents would be highly upset if I plan otherwise. Although I have not heard from anywhere, I have made up my mind that that is where I want to be. I learned that there are times when a decision will never satisfy all requirements. I find that I have to choose the decision that will, first and foremost, make me happy. I am really hoping that I find a paying job in NYC this summer; but if not, I know that I still be at home surrounded by my happy family.
Laura, having a clear career path is something I struggle with as well. Just like you, I enjoy what I am learning in my classes, but don’t know how to put everything together. At one point, I was considering going to law school. Every time I would tell someone my major, they would automatically say “So you are going to go to law school?” However, that now seems like a very big decision, and I want to be sure first, before I take such a big step, in terms of time and financial commitment. I have been doing some research that would help me to determine a clear career path. My passion for detail, law, compliance, and investigation has led me to look into the insurance industry and government departments that do inspection/survey work. Many professionals have told me that they too did not have a clear/distinct career choice, but years of experience in the workforce eventually led them to their current industry.
Jennifer: I am very familiar with your situation. When I graduated from college, I didn’t have the job I had always expected to have waiting for me. I knew where I didn’t want to be, but I didn’t know what I wanted and how to get it. I decided that I wanted to move to Chicago. On a whim! It seemed like it would make sense for me — I’d like the climate, it was different, people were supposed to be nicer in the midwest, and I would still have all the perks of a major city. Only problem: I had never actually been to Chicago. Nor did I know anyone in Chicago. Oh, and did I mention that I didn’t have a job lined up, much less one in Chicago? It seemed crazy and almost everyone in my life (with the exception of my very best friend in the world) told me not to do it — that it was crazy. Well, I decided to take the world by storm and up and move without any of those things. Hey, you can always find a paycheck, right? It ended up being the boldest, craziest, and most important decision I have ever made. I loved Chicago. I miss it everyday. It was absolutely the right place for me, and I know that I would have regretted my decision not to go for the rest of my life. Here’s what I learned (in regard to your situation): live your life to the fullest by making sure that you have very few regrets. I don’t think it’s possible not to have any regrets, but keep them minimal. In this scenario, take the time to really think about your decision. Don’t just apply to jobs because they are jobs, and don’t move somewhere you know you’ll be unhappy. Figure out what decision you would regret more: staying with your boyfriend, friends and family and not moving to New York, or moving away from all of them. It took me a long time to make that decision, but once I made it, I knew it was the right one.
Laura: I think I had mentioned this before in another peer forum, but I had a very similar issue when I was an undergraduate. I had always thought that I knew what I wanted to do, but when it came down to graduation time and prep during my senior year, I had no clue what I wanted. I even eventually just took a job because it was in my industry instead of really considering what I wanted out of it, and it was a mistake. It took me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted to do and what career path I wanted to take, but it was worth the time and effort. I think a lot of us have been there, and I would defintely suggest keeping your dream intact. Don’t just settle for a job because it’s a job — follow your dream and you will be significantly happier. And don’t put so much emphasis on the looming deadline. It will happen.
Jennifer: First let me just say I FEEL YOU! It’s like you’re a real person with marionette strings and too many puppeteers! (I also think your case was well written and easy to relate to.) This is the advice given to me by my cousin who has already graduated.
“Follow your heart. Don’t regret and don’t wonder “what if?” Because honestly, why are we put on this earth? We are significant only to the people who love us and if they really do they will understand your need to follow your dreams.”
I am trying so hard to do this now as a graduating senior and more questions than I have ever had in my life are arising. But I’m trying to take it slow, prioritize, and take all things in stride, but at the end of the day I will do the best thing for me. I hope you will do the same!
Laura: GO CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY!! I am very interested in that company you worked for- what an amazing opportunity. I had a very similar experience with connecting of two interests- for me it’s international development and the private sector so that lead me to corporate social responsibility/sustainability. I can also relate to the uncertainty you are feeling but I am really inspired by the commitment you and your husband have for one another. That type of outlook surely means you will make the best decision together. (I am a hopeless romantic…!) I am in a place where I may not have a job when I graduate also and I think that we must just do the best things for us (whether it be relocating or moving back home) and just have faith that other opportunities will come and that things will work out for the best.
Laura – I completely agree with your assessment that counselors and professors to little to inform liberal art students about possible career paths. I also am pursuing a degree in political science and as I look for jobs, I realize how little direction I have been given from GW. It is very frustrating the amount of time we put into a degree to ultimately feel lost and wonder what we can actually do with that degree. I think it is awesome that you were able to use your education and passion to find something you enjoyed doing. Working with the multinational oil company sounds like an amazing experience. No matter where you relocate, I think it is important to incorporate your passion for conflict resolution and then environment into your professional life.
Jennifer – I can relate to how difficult it can be finding a job in this economy. I too have been trying to find a job in NYC, with little to no luck. As a result, I find myself lowering my standards. It seems like I am willing to sacrifice my interests for location. I also find myself questioning my ability and qualifications. However, not only do you have an advanced a degree, but you also have amazing work experience – You have the qualifications to achieve your desired job. I definitely don’t think you should give up your own goals and dreams. I can’t make others around me happy if I’m not happy with myself – and letting go of my dreams would definitely make me a miserable person. However, I think it is admirable that you are willing to do this for someone you love. In the end, it’s about finding what makes you the happiest.
Jen- You’ve been through so much since college and have always made really good decisions. Even though it’s extremely challenging to find the ideal job right now, I know that you’ll be successful because you know exactly what you want and have the skills that companies are looking for. We’re definitely going through similar challenges, so I identify with the struggle to find the right position while not compromising. You will absolutely fin the perfect marketing career in NYC.
Jennifer– Definitely not an easy situation to be in. I’ve never had to face something that serious yet since I’m only just finishing up school in may but being torn between making yourself happy and making others happy is definitely something I’ve experienced. In the end I’ve always found that if I can’t find the happy medium in a situation, I assess the risks involved and see if it’s worth it at the time or if it can wait. For me personally though, I hate looking back and regretting not trying something and wondering how things would have turned out differently had I made a different decision. In the end, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy though! Good luck!
Laura– LOVE environmental sustainability! You’re so fortunate to be interested in an industry that is thriving right now and heading in such a positive direction despite the economy! I work at a renewable energy non profit right now and it has had so much success since the new administration arrived. Even yesterday with the new cap and trade plan that was established regarding climate change/the REC markets–it just makes me realize more and more how heavily every business and government on a global level is investing in renewable energy and sustainability. Stick with what you’re passionate about because it’s a great time to be working in renewables right now and I know that, for me, it’s an industry I want to continue to work in well in to the future! Good luck!
Laura –
Thanks for your case! I can totally relate. This job market is the WORST! I imagine that it’s even more difficult when you’ve got a husband’s career to consider too. You’re a dear friend and I believe that you and Matt have done an awesome job working through this tough time. Congratulations on Matt’s new job! You’ll have a fabulous time in Hawaii! I know that you’ll find opportunities that are compatible with your dream job because you’re great at networking, showcasing your skills, and are persistent with the job search. Be sure to stay focused and I can’t wait to visit you next year!
Jennifer: It is amazing how something so tragic can create such an incredible boost in a person’s self-confidence. It sounds like witnessing Hurricane Katrina really changed your outlook on life and pushed you to do great things. You seem to be very driven. I can relate to your struggles with finding which path to take. It has always been tough for me to follow my dreams without taking into consideration the feelings of others. I am a strong believer of fate and I have come to realize that no mater which path I take in life, it will be the right one. I encourage you to trust your instincts and follow the path that makes YOU happy. At the end of the end, you are the only person living your life and if you trust yourself, everything else will fall into place.
Laura: I find it so inspiring that you have found a way to align your passions in life with a professional career. Most people have trouble identifying where their interests even lie. I have had a very difficult time figuring out exactly what I want to do with my life, I feel like I change my mind every day. I have the tendency to want to live a very calculated life. I think it is why I am so afraid to graduate, I don’t want to waste time doing something that doesn’t contribute to where I will be in 10 years. I have learned from reading your case that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, I have to be patient in finding my passion, it won’t happen overnight. It sounds like you’re on the right track and willing to combat whatever obstacles may come your way. I wish you much success.
Jennifer-
WOW, you have some tough decisions to make! Though you are graduating in a tough job market, I believe you will find what you are looking for even if you have to look else where. I really commend you on thinking about others before you think about yourself, that shows a truly genuine person, who will go very far in anything you do.
Although I have never been in a serious situation like yours, being torn is the story of my life! If seemes as everyday I have tough decisions to make and the best way to find the best option is put everything on the table, your wants and needs, and begins to pair them up. If one sounds like if is a fantasy and not practical, kick if off your list. In the end, everything that you need and can have will show itself.
Laura-
I really loved your case. I have very few people who have the same interest as you and I think thats cool! Even though I am not on a job search right now or have a husband, I can imagine that it is very difficult, but there will be something for you in the end. Sometimes, when I have to make decisions when other people are involved, I try to make if where both people benefit, even if I have to lower my standards and do something that I really do not want to do, but in the end, my dreams always come true and I hope yours do too!
Jennifer and Laura-
I loved your cases! Both of you chose interesting conflicts and included insightful analysis that strengthened my interest in what you presented. Professor Frey should hire both of you.
Jennifer-
As a graduating senior, I too understand the frustration of looking for a job in a slumped economy. NOT FUN. It sounds like you have made some very significant achievements in the past, and I don’t doubt that you could have a really successful future in New York. Your dilemma is especially interesting because you also have a wonderful boyfriend who you want to build a life with. I was once in a relatively comparable position where I had to chose between a boy and transferring schools. My choice to stay at GW was a no-brainer because my ex-boyfriend was an idiot (oops…who said that?!). You, however, are dealing with a heightened level of commitment and expectations from your family. I wish there was a fail-safe answer, but I’m sure that you will end up really happy no matter which location you choose.
Laura-
How awesome that you were able to combine several of your passions into an amazing job. I respect your commitment to creatively approaching your interests and skills…sounds like that company was lucky to hire you! The suffering economy is a huge burden on everyone, but luckily, CSR is a growing field with a lot of potential. I’m sure that you will be able to use your suite of skills to navigate through this tough time. Best of luck to you and your husband!
Thank you for all the great feedback. Reading everyone’s comments was a true self-esteem booster. It felt really great to know that I’m not alone and that people are sympathetic to my situation. I learned that I should follow my heart and figure out what is best for me. I need to do what makes me happy and remember to think long term. Perhaps I will not find my dream job now, but maybe I’ll find that job after I build my resume more and the economy improves. I plan to stay focused and will keep my eye on the prize!
Jennifer,
Your problem isn’t just something that can be solved or summed up in a few sentences or paragraphs.
It is a life problem that you will have to decide for yourself, but i do not think their is a medium or center for these problems. You have to decide what you want to do and where your heart lies. I used to live in NYC too and know how great it can be. I understand that you want to please everyone and it sounds like a great plan but it is highly unlikely unless you do what you do not want to. From my experiences I believe one has to straighten out their personal lives first and do what is best for them and then worry about other things to follow on.
Laura,
I love how you found an indirect way to directly influence and impact the environment and at the same time solve some problems that major corporations are facing. It’s great that you know exactly what you want to do with your career and you are making good decision to get there, but with the economy today most people will be lucky just to have a job much less their dream job. As i mentioned above it is where the heart lies that counts the most, if you are happy doing it please continue to make yourself happy.