Definition of Success

How do YOU define success?

Now call me intrigued, but I’m the kind of person that likes to get to know the inner workings of the people around me. I’m always interested to hear what their past experiences are, find out what their goals are for the future, and learn what it is that is unique to them.

So this brings me to an interesting question that I find really says a lot about a person: What is success to you?

If I’m answering, success is a variety of things:

• Learning something new or developing new skills as a result of taking on new projects—and being happy with your outcomes!
• Reaching those little goals that bring you a step closer to your big picture goals.
• I’m the kind of person who fears becoming stagnant in life, so a big indicator of success for me, is moving forward in anything you do!

Success is different for every person. Maybe you define success as catching up on your readings for class, getting married and having a family, or even starting your own T-Shirt company! Either way, success is personal and cannot be defined by anyone other than you. So don’t let anybody get you down if you see others succeeding in their own lives because you can’t compare your Step 1 to their Step 22. They’re working on their personal success and so can you. Whatever actions you need to do to start moving forward, go with it! And if you need some support getting started on your Step 1, know that the Career Center is here waiting to help!

Anne Monique Concepcion,
Graduate Assistant

Resolutions

We’ve all made New Year’s Resolutions. Some have stuck, some haven’t. What’s your resolution for 2015? Whether it’s to quit smoking, go to the gym, get organized, kick the caffeine addiction, or find an internship, here are some tips that might help:

• Write down your resolution and put it someplace where you can see it.  A visual reminder will help keep your resolution in the forefront of your mind.
• Make sure your goal is attainable and realistic.  Resolving to be the CEO of Google by the end of 2015 might not be the best way to go about it, but resolving to get an internship at a tech company might be.
• Tell others. Telling friends or family about your resolution will keep you more accountable.  Knowing that others might ask about your progress can help with your motivation.
• Break your goal down into smaller steps.  If your resolution is to get an internship secured for the summer, maybe your first step is to make a list of companies that you would like to work for.  Then, the next step could be to visit The Career Center to work on a resume and discuss internship options.
• Give yourself a timeline for each of these smaller steps.  For example, tell yourself that you will have your resume updated by February 1.
• Keep your eye on the prize!  Think how good it will feel once you can look back at the end of 2015 and know that you accomplished your goal. 

Don’t forget that The Career Center is here for you and can help you set you plans into action!

Darlene Johnson,
Director of External Relations