#SheLeads Blog Post - “Your Coworkers Have Shoes Older Than Your Career as a Manager”

"I have shoes older than you!" 

Girl, if I had a nickel for every time I heard a coworker say this very statement to me I wouldn't be rich but I'd be cruising around in a 2016 BMW fully loaded right now. At work, I'm constantly reminded that I'm a member of the millennial gang. I get it, I'm young; but myself, and other millennials are much more than a group of people defined by their age. 

It can be particularly hard for millennials in a management position to be taken seriously. Older coworkers may think you haven't been around the block long enough to know how to do your job let alone manage a team or project. We not only can perform well in our roles but we offer other things such as fresh ideas and new perspectives, which could ultimately help to grow the company. Truth is, we got this!

There is no way around being judged for your age because you can't control the judgment of others but what you can do is change the perception your coworkers may have about you. No need to yell across the office, "Hey everyone, stop thinking I don't know what I'm doing because I'm young!"  Actions speak louder than words and I’ve found a couple tactics to help your coworkers see past your age.

1.    Be Confident

The worst thing you can do is hang out in the background and not speak up when it’s your turn. Take your seat in the boardroom with your young professional mug in hand and share those great ideas, give suggestions and say it like you mean it. You have to make sure you are not only seen but also heard.

2.    It’s Not About You

If you are in a position where you manage other employees remember that it is not about you.  Employee management is not about the fame and glory of your position.  Being a manager means doing everything in your power to make sure your team performs well.  Remove their barriers, earn their trust and show you appreciate them.  If you manage employees older than you they will respect the fact that you are on their side.  A happy team that achieves their goals looks good for you and looks good for the growth of the company.

3.    Give 100%

Show everyone at the workplace that you are an excellent asset to the team by giving it your all.  Cross your, ‘T’s,” and dot your, ‘I’s.’  When you give 100% success will follow.  You’ll prove to others you’ve earned your spot on the team and deserve to be there with the rest of the best. 

Once the office sees your quality of work, your awesome personality and the goals you continue to hit every month, your age will be one of your biggest assets.  Soon you’ll hear, “I cannot believe she’s achieved so much at such a young age.”  That right there ladies is the moment you’ve proved them wrong and literally made your place as a girl boss! 

See you at the top,

Antoinette

Antointte Minor is the founder of The Young Professionalist. This blog is part of the #SheLead2016 virtual conference.

#SheLeads2016 virtual conference also includes workshops facilitated by amazing millennial women. Our facilitators shared tips on networking, taking on leadership roles at work, self-care and more! Sign-up here and get access to some of these fantastic workshops!

3 Things You Need in Your Next Interview!

Let's talk about everyone's favorite topic - interviews! Ok, probably not your favorite thing to do, but everyone experiences some form of an interview. For college and career women, interviewing for a job is a popular one. 

It can be a nerve-racking experience but it doesn't have to be. As an HR pro/recruiter, I'll tell you a secret- an interview is simply a conversation. You and the recruiter agree on a time and setup a meeting, similar to your other meetings. You come prepared to discuss your qualifications and why you're good for the job. For the most part, the recruiter enters the meeting with the intention of finding the right candidate for the job. 

What happens when you're in the interview together? You TALK! You're having a mature, professional conversation. To rock this interview, remember to bring the most important piece- your confidence. You're reading this blog so I know you're smart, organized and focused. Your experience is robust and compatible to the position. I know you'll have your resume memorized like your favorite Beyoncé song, so when you answer the questions, really go for it! Tell the interviewer about your accomplishments and experiences with pride and integrity.

You can also show your unique experience. 2nd thing to remember is a hard copy of your resume and a professional portfolio. Yes, you sent your resume via email. The recruiter can print it out and probably will print it out. However, bringing your resume is classic professionalism and it's a kind gesture. Your professional portfolio can be emailed or brought in, if appropriate. For example, my 9-5 job is in HR. When applying to a different job, I will send a recruiter a link to CMB's website because it highlights experience not included on my resume. Graphic designers may bring in a portfolio to share. Interviews are not the time to hold back and be shy about your experience, especially as a recent grad. Did you complete a branding strategy for a small business during your capstone project in school? Did you write a policy brief in your political science course? Before an interview, think of the requirements and responsibilities for the position and make a list of all your experiences that would be helpful to mention. Then, practice answering some questions you’re sure to get. 

Check out the episode of “Krystal & Courtney’s Career Chat” that covers interviews. We include sample questions and how to answer them.

You have to look super cute for your interview! 3rd thing to bring is an amazing outfit! When you look good, you feel good. When I'm feeling my outfit, you can't tell me nothing! My confidence is at an all-time high. Next time you have an interview, put on your favorite professionally-chic outfit or buy a new one. If money is funny, no problem. Call your best friend, and borrow something from her. When you get to her house, discuss a hairstyle that will be on point, for the occasion. You can also practice a couple interview questions with her.

We want to do a webinar about interviews! Would you be interested? What difficult interview questions would you like me to cover?! Let me know in the comments!

For more information about career development, networking and work fashion, go to our website at www.thecolormeb.com and join our mailinglist!

Networking + Girl Bosses Mixer

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of joining Cotten Kandi Media company, as the host, for their Girl Bosses Networking event. 

@epiphanykendell @mieks_summerdove @cottenkandimedia @beautifulket

The event was absolutely amazing and inspiring.

Four millennial women shared career and life advice with attendees, while I served as host. We discussed the different industries our speakers represent and heard tips about how to be successful. It was a beautiful event because all of us were so supportive, knowledgeable and willing to share with others.

There were moments when I had to stop and reflect on the strength and power that was in the room. Between the speakers and our audience, we successfully created a safe space where everyone felt comfortable being vulnerable and supporting each other. As women of color in professional industries, the ability to do this is so important because oftentimes, women struggle to find these spaces in their work life.

Of course some companies and industries are better than others, but with this event, we wanted to show young women that the support is there. We also stressed the importance and benefits of networking. Hearing "networking" can be intimidating for some, but really, networking is simply intentional communication. Networking is attending events like the Girl Bosses event and connecting with someone in your field. It doesn't have to be super serious or formal. If you're nervous about how to "network" make sure you employ these three simple tips.

1. Remember their name and their relevance to you. 

A tip I learned very early in my career (maybe 13 years old) is when I collect someone's business card, I write one interesting fact about them on the back of it. When I'm doing follow-up, I send an email to the new contact and mention something we discussed. Now, as an adult and a businessowner, I make sure to include how we can collaborate. Try it!

2. Attend networking events! 

There are companies (like @thecolormeb) and people that host these events to get young people talking and engaged. Go to eventbrite.com and search for events in your area. On instagram, search the hashtags. If you're shy about speaking with people, this is a great place to start because you can search for events that will make you feel comfortable. Also, some of these events are FREE. You just have to find them.

3. Be yourself. 

Like I said previously, networking is simply intentional communication. There's no script, no formula - just do you. Talking to someone in a c-suite position or a managerial position can be scary, but they are people just like me and you. Also, if someone is not a nice person, chances are their employer wouldn't send them to recruiting or networking events, so don't worry about that. If you need help overcoming nerves, try practicing with a friend. You can also shoot me an email at cmb.nyc1@gmail.com. Happy to help!

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

My Natural Hair in Corporate America

Without fail, every day, I take a moment in the morning and make sure my nappy hair is ready for the work day.

Please excuse me if you find the word "nappy" uncomfortable or offensive. I don't intend to offend anyone. However, my hair is happily nappy, thick, curly and kinky. I am so thankful and grateful that I work with highly intelligent people that embrace and love my hairdo. 

To some folks, this probably doesn't seem like a big deal. For me, someone that has been treated adversely because of my natural blackness, acceptance of my natural hair at work is huge. I love feeling comfortable and not worrying about my supervisor staring at my tightly coiled curls.

When I started my job in December 2013, I straightened my hair every day.

Ain't nobody got time.

I wanted to make sure I was "appropriate" for the office. Millennials in corporate America are well-aware of our age, seniority and position in the workplace (because countless articles and baby boomers remind us daily). As a young woman of color, in corporate America, working in New York City, I wanted to put my best foot forward and set myself up for success. After two months, I was over it. I didn't have time to do that every morning, and it was hard on my thick hair. So what was I to do?

Coming to work with my big hair would already make me stand out. Wearing a weave was out because I've stopped paying hundred of dollars for hair. Don't have time for that either. I didn't want to approach my supervisor and risk turning a non-issue into an issue. 

So what to do?!

I asked my homegirls at work. They told me to be free. I did and everyone loved it. Now, I don't know if that will work in everyone's office but I do have a couple tips for you to consider:

1. What is your company's culture? Since having the come-to-Jesus moment with my homegirls, I decided that I'm comfortable straightening my hair if I ever have to interview for a job or become client-facing. I believe client interaction warrants changing your hair because you are now representing your company. Is your company culture business-professional? Or casual? Look around and talk to your peers. 

2. Is your hair distracting? My hair is big and nappy and I LOVE it. We sit in cubicles so my hair doesn't block anyone's view- I'm good. Now, if I were to dye it purple, people might turn their heads when I walk by. Just like you wouldn't wear a super tight pencil skirt with a donkey booty, you probably shouldn't wear your Cassie-shaved-on-the-side to the board meeting. If you're in San Francisco, at one of those cool millennial-run tech companies, DO IT!

3. Is it cute? No shade but make sure your hair is on point. There is no specific style you have to rock in the workplace. I'd be hypocrite if I said your hair has to be bone-straight; but I do think your hair should be like your outfit- on point and super cute :)

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB

How to Be Successful in Your Fall Internship

Are you starting your first or 6th internship this fall? Listen to a couple experts on how to leave an awesome impression!

Besides grades, what do you look for when hiring an intern? Do you really care about grades?

Courtney: I have hired interns at a law firm and a consulting firm. In these two settings, hiring managers use GPA’s to evaluate full-time employees candidates because they’re looking for intelligent and studious people. Of course we want someone that is well-rounded, but when I receive a resume from an intern candidate, I look for the GPA because many students have little to no job experience, so I use GPA to gauge focus, determination and to certain extent, creativity. I look at full transcripts to see what types of classes students are engaged in and where they’re challenging themselves. If you’re interning at a place where study/academic prep skills are needed, we’re definitely looking at your GPA.

Dennis: Grades can be an important factor in the hiring process, especially if the internship is academic based. I was a summer intern for a non-profit agency and one of the roles that I applied for was an Academic Intern, which meant I attended classes and helped the instructor by preparing the required materials for the day. They wanted someone that was academically successful and could role model positive behavior in the classroom. For this particular internship, which was a company that prepared principals to oversee struggling and underperforming schools, they wanted someone that was comfortable working with an older population; someone that was mature, responsible, hardworking, and could work in a diverse group.

When evaluating a group of interns, do you compare them to each other and rank?

Dennis: The comparison aspect is especially relevant when it comes to selecting the staff members to begin with. When picking the orientation leaders, we want them to represent and mirror our current student population as much as possible. We consider a number of different factors: race, class year, major(s), hometown, special academic classification: honors, business scholar, service scholar, etc. We want to ensure that we represent our diverse student population to the best of our ability and we want to make sure that the incoming freshmen students can identify with the leaders they are seeing. Picking the Summer RAs works in a similar manner. We want to make sure that we are picking staff that will benefit the most from the free housing over the summer, but we also want to make sure they have the skill sets that will make them successful over the summer. During the summer we have many different conferences that visit our campus and spend part of their summers here. We want to pick RAs that are especially mature and have excellent customer service skills.

Courtney: No, I try to refrain from comparing interns to each other in their class, and comparing intern classes to other intern classes. We have a formal intern evaluation process. At the end of the 6-week internship program, we have interns fill out a self-evaluation; and supervisors complete an evaluation for each intern.

Can an internship ever lead to a job?

Courtney: Yes! Some internships are designed to lead to a permanent job. Other internships are not, but employers will not hesitate to offer an extraordinary intern a position. Work hard on all projects you receive – no matter how boring or administrative the task is, complete it to the best of your ability.

Dennis: For my particular education internship employment opportunities were realized. One of my fellow interns applied with the company when she graduated college, and was hired. She’s currently still working with the same company. I think it’s important to ask your supervisor if potential employment is a real possibility, especially as someone that’s a junior or senior and will be looking to enter the workforce soon. Some companies are willing to hire interns, especially if you impress them, and go above and beyond on a consistent basis.

Is it ok to ask a lot of questions?

Courtney: Yes! There is no such thing as a dumb question. Your manager would much rather prefer you ask questions and get clarification instead of wasting hours doing a project incorrectly. At the same time, pay attention and take notes at meetings so you retain as much information as possible. If you’re on top of your projects and working with a sense of urgency, managers will note your maturity, confidence and diligence to do work.

Dennis: As an intern, it was made clear that I was expected to ask questions if I was unsure of something. My supervisors made it a comfortable working environment, and I always felt at ease asking them questions.

Whether this is your first internship or your 6th, ask a lot of questions and consume as much information as possible. Internships help college students gain job skills that are essential for their industry, but internships also teach you how to function in a professional setting. Ask your boss for more responsibility and demonstrate that you are ready for that transition. Make sure you dress appropriately. Check out @thecolormeb on Instagram and pinterest for tips on dressing professional and fly at the same time.

Dennis Velez holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and  Master’s Degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Diversity & Inequality. A Connecticut native, Dennis attended college and graduate school in New York City where he immersed himself in studying issues of diversity. Dennis is passionate about being an advocate, resource, mentor and ally to all students, but especially students of color and students that identify in the LGBTQ community. He serves on the Board of Advisors for CMB Professional Development Agency.

Courtney Ball holds an MA in Urban Studies from Fordham University and a Bachelor's of Arts in Politics from the University of San Francisco. Courtney's masters thesis research was named the 2011 Best Graduate Student Paper at the California American Studies Association Conference. She has been managing interns and working with college students for 10+ years, helping to cultivate a professional pipeline for people of color. She is the founder and executive director of CMB Professional Development Agency.