Anticipation

The new semester started last night and we had a full house of new students. There's always anticipation at the beginning of the semester: the students are in anticipation of what the instructor will be like, will they like the class, is it too hard, or too easy. There's anticipation from the instructor: will the students like me, will the information be useful to them, will they be bored, or will they be engaged.

Many of the students in adult learning situations are in the middle of transitions. They may be transitioning from one career to another; or may be transitioning to a new industry. Many of our students are new to marketing and transitioning from careers in financial services or industrial automation.

It is exciting and exhausting to complete the first session in the semester. I always need a few extra hours the next morning to 'catch up' with my energy, etc. And especially this semester. I am guest speaking at USC next week and then presenting at CAADE on the 21st. I'm almost finished with preparations for the CAADE talk. I'll speak more about that tomorrow.

This weekend I am going as a participant on a Women's Retreat in the mountains. It's been snowing and should be beautiful. It's nice to go as a participant and treat myself to some nurtuing and quiet time.

Giving Back

Point 6 in the 7 Point Dynamic Transitioning Program is about Giving Back. I could talk for ages on the importance of giving back - personally, professionally, and spiritually. I am one who believes in a tenfold return. Some would say not to expect a return....give because you want to give and it's from the heart. I believe both are true.

I teach Competitive Marketing and Strategy at UCLA as a way of Giving Back professionally. I believe I was part of Corporate America at a time when training was paramount to employee satisfaction and I received some excellent leadership and management training. I also had a terrific career in Sales and Marketing. The course I teach at UCLA is a course I wrote because I wanted to teach a course I would take. I am passionate about it.

One of the committments I make to students is to offer free 'mentoring'. It's so wonderful to communicate with students as they begin their careers. I've worked with students on the interview process, building a good resume, how to followup correctly, and how to transition from one career to another. I find it rewarding and satisfying to know that I can make a difference and that my experience is helpful to them.

I highly recommend you find a way to give back. Email me if you're having trouble with this one and I'll be happy to share more ideas with you.