Q&A With WCA’s Spring Speed Mentoring Speakers

Written by Katie McKee.

On April 2, students, mentors and communications professionals will gather for WCA’s Spring Speed Mentoring Event, and you don’t want to miss it!

The event offers student members 10-minute rounds to meet a variety of WCA professional members and learn about different aspects of communications. The event features two talks: “Top 10 Things You Need to Know About LinkedIn” by Mari Payne and “How to Manage Your Career Through Change” by Lisa Griffin.

We spoke with Lisa, president of Griffin Media Management, and Mari, a LinkedIn expert, for look at what students can expect at the upcoming event.

Why is mentoring important to students and the next generation of professionals?

Lisa: When I was a young reporter at US News & World Report, a senior investigative reporter and I began working together on a big story I uncovered—a terrorist cell after 9/11. He taught me how to become a better journalist and showed me how to dig through the research and handle a high profile investigation. It shaped my career.

In my undergraduate career, I had teachers that gave me opportunities to grow and to be challenged. They weren’t my official mentors, but they encouraged me to apply for internships that I otherwise wouldn’t have. We’ve kept in touch since then, and it was these people that saw something in me and helped me along the way. I think students should keep their eye out for mentor opportunities—even unofficial ones—and go above and beyond. Doing so will get you noticed and creates those relationships that can help you later on.

Mari: Never miss an opportunity to grow professionally. Those of us who mentor others either have had very good mentors or wish we would have had great mentors. Either way, we recognize that it is important. Think strategically—no need to stumble in your career if you can avoid it. Find ways to accelerate your professional growth. Mentorship is one way to accomplish this goal. Personally speaking, I met an amazing person who later became my friend and mentor years ago. Much of the growth that I achieved was because of having her in my life as a mentor.

What are the most common mistakes you see with students as they develop their LinkedIn profiles?

Lisa: I’ve been a member of LinkedIn since the site started, so I’ve seen the way it’s taken shape. My advice is to not use LinkedIn like Facebook. It’s not Facebook, so liking and posting things that don’t have relevance isn’t appropriate. The second thing is that I get requests often for people I don’t know. There are two different theories on that—link with everybody or link only with people you know. Either way, when you send a request you should show what value you bring to the other person. Don’t send them a blank invite. Tell them why you want to link with them or how you found them.

Mari: A common mistake I see is when students have a bare bones LinkedIn profile with their university, major and graduation date only. Another is not connecting with their network on LinkedIn.

How is change an essential tool for young professionals as they begin their careers?

Lisa: I think one of the key things to success is being adaptable. Perhaps the younger generations know this, but being adaptable to technology, change and ways to look at your career is important. If you don’t, you won’t be able to grow very much. I started in print journalism, and I chose to use to improve and adopt those skills to make a change and move my career to different types of communications management. Learning to do that will help you keep your mind open to new opportunities within your field. 

Mari: It’s essential for everyone at every point in their career, not just for entry level positions. I’ve learned that the professionals with successful careers are able to adapt to fast-paced environments with ease and use it as an opportunity to develop professionally. If you adapt to change well, you can position yourself for a promotion or increased responsibility.

What are the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your years as a mentor or mentee?

Lisa: Always be open to listening to other people. It sounds so simple, but when you’re in love with something as I was with journalism—I uncovered terrorists and loved what I was doing—but then was approached with a completely different opportunity. It was very hard to change. Always be open to listening to someone who is wiser and has more experience than you.

Mari: Encourage others and share lessons learned. It’s always OK to ask the basic questions. Challenge yourself every single day. Train yourself to be fearless when new opportunities, challenges or change comes your way.

Why should students participate in the 2016 Spring Speed Mentoring Event? 

Lisa: If you can, and if you are seeking a mentor, go to the highest place that you can. Reach out as far as you can. Think about your dream job, what you would really love to do, and ask a person in that position to be your mentor. There’s no harm. You never know what a cold call, a meeting, or a speed mentoring session can do for you. You may be able to find a mentor that you never expected you could.

Mari: You’ve essentially read 30+ self-development tips by the end of this event. Out of all of the advice that you get, there will be a few tips that will help you out tremendously in your career. You’re learning from those who have already been there. It doesn’t get better than that.

Interested in attending WCA’s Spring Speed Mentoring event? RSVP to Karen Aroian, WCA VP Student Affairs and Programming by Friday, Apr. 1 at 5 p.m.