Career Planning – Is there a Silver Bullet
with Joan Wasylik
An Overseas Studies Guest Lecture Series on Career Planning and “Going International”
Los Angeles, CA, Friday, September 11, 2020 — Europe-based USC alum, Joan Wasylik, gave a guest lecture on the importance of career planning, co-sponsored by the Dornsife Office of Overseas Studies and Annenberg International Programs. In her lecture, Joan Wasylik highlighted three key areas for students to consider as they navigate their time at USC and begin to embark on their career journey.
Joan Wasylik has more than 20 years of experience leading corporate communications teams in Europe, and globally. To date, she has lived in 8 countries and traveled to over 45 countries as part of her career in multiple sectors such as food, financial services, and medical fields. She graduated with a Master’s in Public Relations from USC and received her undergraduate degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia. While at USC, she was a student and academic coordinator of Annenberg’s International Communication Studies (ICS) Program.
Here are Joan Wasylik’s Career Planning Takeaways
Joan Waslyik hosting Annenberg International Programs International Communication Studies program in Paris, France
Test Your Interests
Whether you have a career goal or not, now is the time to test whatever interests you. Trade time for knowledge & experience via networks, guest lectures, internships, professional events. Seek to identify your personal drivers – social media tech, storytelling, social purpose, specific industry interest, team leadership, international involvement …Create Your Career Planning Framework Now
Solidify your network. Start creating & documenting your future network. Create a spreadsheet & record people you meet who offer valuable advice or discussions – professors, guest lecturers, alumni, etc.
The Rule of 3. At networking events (live or online) or informational interviews, your goal is to take away 3 additional ideas or contact people/organizations.
Ask for advice, not a job. Asking “what would you do if you were me?” will produce more conversations than “I’m looking for a job/internship.”
Making choices. Identify & go with the option that will open more doors when considering class, project, internship, or job opportunities.
While at USC
Take a basic marketing course. Learn the fundamentals of how businesses & other organizations function & make decisions. Be ready for the environment your career will take place in.
Study abroad. Step out of your comfort zone & learn more about the world & yourself than you can imagine. Research now & be ready for post-COVID 19 opportunities: Annenberg International Programs or the Office of Overseas Studies, global volunteer organizations (Peace Corps, Raleigh International), post-graduate scholarships (Fulbright, Rotary Foundation, Erasmus). Good grades at SC can earn scholarships to help finances.
Dare. Be brave, challenge yourself & your comfort zones. Now is the time – at SC you have the opportunities, connections, safety nets. Plus, if needed, you can always go back – wherever & whatever you were will still be there. Perhaps a little different but still there.
4. And finally…
Acknowledge & build on your past purposefully – so your future is the best you can have
Copyright: PJWasylik
